| The Brethren ("Christian Brethren" or "Open Brethren") The Brethren began nearly two hundred years ago by British Christians. They wanted to return to the simplicity of church life in New Testament times, and to obey the in every area of life.Their churches are each one run by its members. The leaders are usually a group of Elders, who care for the spiritual needs, while Deacons look after the practical things, like repairs to the building.Communion (Breaking of Bread)Each week there is a simple communion service, usually without a leader or set structure. Every church member is an equal, and people take part as they sense God's direction - perhaps they will read a passage from the , pray, share something that they feel God has taught them, or choose a Christian hymn or song for everyone to sing. This is known as "open worship".The service is centred around a loaf of bread and a cup of wine. Before he died, Jesus had a meal with his disciples, when he took a loaf of bread, broke it and shared it around. Then they all drank a cup of red wine. Jesus told his disciples to do the same things to remember him. The broken bread would remind them of his broken body and the red wine of his blood when he died on the cross. Christians still do this today, to help them to remember Jesus, and his death on the cross.During the service, someone will pray specifically to lead the people in saying thank-you to Jesus, before sharing the bread and wine. The loaf of bread is broken and passed from person to person, and each will take and eat a small piece of it. After this, the cup of wine is passed from one to another, and each takes a sip.To people in a Brethren church, this is the most important service they have, and it usually happens every week. They do it to remember that Jesus died on the cross, and lives to help them today. |
