On January 6th, 2010 we celebrate the 150th Birth of the Mennonite Brethren Church.
What was started by just a few men on January 6, 1860 in Russia, has now spread to nearly 20 countries.
MB Biblical Seminary President Lynn Jost said in a recent interview "the 150th anniversary allows MB churches to look at milestones." He added that the event "is an opportunity to think about the ties that bind us together, especially theologically."
The following is an from an article by the Christian Leader about Global Celebrations year long to mark this occasion.
"Global Celebrations Honor MB Sesquicentennial
North American events slated for Vancouver"
In 2010 Mennonite Brethren worldwide will be marking a century and a half since their beginnings January 6, 1860 when 18 men living in a small village in what is now Ukraine signed a document declaring their intention to secede from the Mennonite Church. National celebrations will take place in India, Panama, Brazil, Japan and Paraguay, as well as in Germany, which will host International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) meetings and celebrations.
North America will host Celebration 2010: The 150th Anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren July 12-18, 2010 in British Columbia, the world stage for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. During this weeklong celebration, Mennonite Brethren will explore where they have been, where they are going and what they have learned along the way.
Opening this international event will be Renewing Identity & Mission: A Mennonite Brethren Consultation (RIM). The RIM consultation begins Monday evening and runs through Wednesday afternoon and will feature Mennonite Brethren from around the world.
A Celebration Service Wednesday evening, July 14, marks the beginning of the four-day North American anniversary event. Thursday will be devoted to ministry updates from MB Biblical Seminary, MBMS International, Historical Commission and the International Community of Mennonite Brethren. A second Celebration Service is scheduled for Friday evening.
Happy Birthday Mennonite Brethren Church!!
Posted: January 06, 2010