The Wyomissing Church of the Brethren was officially organized on January 1, 1898 in the city of Reading, as The First Church of the Brethren. In 1989 we moved to 2200 State Hill Road. In 2009 we completed construction on our current church building and changed our name to the Wyomissing Church of the Brethren.
Tim Speicher is our pastor. Barbie Kuhns is the Administrative Assistant. The church office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00-4. Our phone number is 610-374-8451. Pastor Tim's day off is Tuesday.
Adult Sunday School is held on Sundays from 9-10, Child care is provided. Sunday School for children 4-12 is held during the Worship Hour, beginning at 10:15. All are welcome.
Each One Growing--Every One Serving
About the Church of the Brethren Beliefs
In 1708, eight people gathered at the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany, and were baptized. In 1719, the growing group moved to North America, beginning in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Initially known as the German Baptist Brethren, or colloquially as the "Dunkards", the name, "Church of the Brethren," was adopted in 1908.
The central emphasis of the Brethren is not a creed, but a commitment to follow Jesus in simple obedience, to be faithful disciples in the modern world. We hold the New Testament as our guidebook for living, affirming with it the need for lifelong study of the Scriptures.
Among the principles which Brethren emphasize are:
PEACE AND RECONCILIATION: A love for neighbors and enemies that leads to forgiveness, sharing, mutual aid, and creative peacemaking. (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-38; Romans 12:18)
THE SIMPLE LIFE: A discipline in the use of all good things as trustees of God's earth and all its resources, avoiding waste and hoarding for self. (Psalms 8, 24; Luke 12:13-21)
SERVICE: A participation in tending to the needs of suffering everywhere so that one's Christian faith bears fruit in an active life. (John 15; James 1:19-27)
Special services which Brethren observe include:
BELIEVER’S BAPTISM when persons have made their personal decision to follow and put into practice the ways of Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20)
The threefold vows we use at Wyomissing are:
Do you believe in Jesus as the revealer of God’s love and purpose for this world?
Will you live in keeping with the example of Jesus as your teacher and guide?
Will you be a faithful member of the church, the Body of Christ, sharing in the
power of the Spirit by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your
service?
LOVE FEAST and COMMUNION which is patterned after the Last Supper in the Upper Room. (Luke 21:7-20; John 13; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
ANOINTING for healing and wholeness in time of personal need or trouble. (James 5:13-16)
DEDICATION OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN to express the responsibility of parents and the whole community of faith for the nurture of children within the Church.
(Mark 10:13-16)
- adapted from "The Brethren Heritage of Elizabethtown College"
(Lancaster County, Pennsylvania)