THE BRISTOLVILLE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN


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Jesus said . . . "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, but by Me."
(John 14:6)

Greetings from the Bristolville Church of the Brethren, located in northeast Ohio 30 miles north of Youngstown!

      With roots in the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, we are part of a 140,000-member Protestant denomination which traces its roots to Germany and the year 1708. Serious believers were dissatisfied with the "politically correct" churches of the day, which put an emphasis on man-made standards rather than the plain and pure Word of God.

      Believers often met informally to pray and study Scripture. It was in 1708 that Alexander Mack and seven other individuals reached the conviction that as followers of Christ, they should be baptized as an outward testimony of their inward commitment. Since infant baptism was routinely practiced in the state-approved churches, to be rebaptized as an adult was considered a crime against the state. As a result, many believers suffered persecution, and even martyrdom.

      As a result of the persecution, believers who made up the Brethren movement--known at that time as "New Baptists," and later German Baptist Brethren--began migrating to America. The name "Church of the Brethren" was not used until 1908. Four other denominations trace their heritage to the same source as the Church of the Brethren--the Old Order Brethren, Ashland Brethren, Dunkard Brethren, and Grace Brethren.

      Due to conditions at its inception, Brethren have traditionally been a people of peace, advocating non-resistance and peaceful resolution to conflicts rather than fighting and killing. Brethren have traditionally emphasized servanthood, a simple lifestyle, and serious adherence to the teachings of Scripture. Basic Bible doctrines held in common with other Christian churches are affirmed and upheld.

    Our beliefs include . . .

      The Bristolville congregation dates back to the early 1860's. The church's membership currently numbers about 120. Missionaries are supported in several areas, and the congregation also reaches out to the local community through a monthly newsletter--The Harmonizer---Vacation Bible School, the Bristolville Area Ministerial Association and Bristol Area Food Ministry, and various community outreach efforts.

      The church is located at 6400 Thompson Clark Rd., just 2 miles east of Bristolville via State Route 88. Our pastor is Fred Keener, a native of Hagerstown, Maryland, and graduate of Antietam Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He may be contacted at fredk@netdotcom.com.

Pastor Fred Keener

      Our congregation offers Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship at 10:30, and Sunday evening services on special occasions. A Wednesday evening Bible Study is also held, as well as quilting, choir, Men's Fellowship, Ladies Aid, prayer group, and youth activities. The congregation is part of the Northern Ohio District, which consists of 56 congregations of the Church of the Brethren.

      As a congregation, we are grateful for our rich heritage. Most of all, we give thanks for God's Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and rose again to give eternal life to all who repent of sin and receive Him as personal Savior. We desire our church to be a place where people can come, knowing they will be loved, accepted, and challenged to recognize Christ's Lordship in all areas of life.

CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN LOGO

The CROSS pictures our baptism into Jesus' death and resurrection.

The CIRCLE represents the world into which we are sent by Christ.

The WAVE symbolizes new life in Christ--"born of water and the Spirit."

THE PLAN OF SALVATION