Ministry Through Mission
At Lampeter Church of the Brethren, we believe that folks who have a strong relationship with God in Christ will live a life of showing love to others through mission. As a congregation, we support many organizations and ministries outside of our own congregation as a way of "walking our talk."
Here are just a few of the organizations and missions we are currently supporting as a congregation:
Brethren Disaster Ministries
Brethren Disaster Ministries Work
Individuals from our congregation travel to various parts of the United States to work with Brethren Disaster Ministries for clean up and construction following catastrophic natural events (hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, etc.). Some even go on these mission trips annually!
Brethren Disaster Relief Auction
Each year, the Disaster Relief Auction is held at the Lebanon Expo & Fair Grounds. Quilts, toys, decorations, food items, animals, etc. are sold to raise money for disaster relief. As a congregation, we donate money for the purchase of heifers to be sold at the auction. Of course, folks are encouraged to participate in the auction weekend, as well.
The Auction, in cooperation with the Atlantic Northeast and Southern Districts of the Church of the Brethren, began in 1977 and has provided over $12,000,000 in disaster relief to victims of natural and man-made disasters both in the US and internationally.
Learn more at the Brethren Disaster Ministries site: www.brethren.org/bdm/.
Camp Swatara
Located at the foot of beautiful Blue Mountain in northwestern Berks County, Pennsylvania. Camp Swatara is owned and operated by the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and is a member of the Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren.
The purpose of Camp Swatara is to provide opportunities in the natural setting for persons of all ages to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, so that they may give their lives to Him in total discipleship. There are various resident camps to choose from each year. Brochures with more information can be found on the Camp bulletin board in the early spring.
Family Camp Out
Each year, our congregation is invited to participate in a Family Camp Out weekend in Family Camp at Camp Swatara. Camp sites for tents and full hookup campers and cabins are available. This weekend is a great weekend of family fellowship around the campfire!
COBYS Family Services
Located in Leola, PA, COBYS Family Services is a private non-profit family services agency. It began in 1980 and is a program of the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren. COBYS Family Services seeks to express Christ's love and concern for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well being of people. COBYS provides education, respite and therapy for children, youth and adults to help maintain and restore wholeness for themselves and their families.
COBYS Family Services include:
To learn more about COBYS Family Services, visit www.cobys.org.
Community Meal Program
Our church actively supports the Community Meal Program by providing and serving a hot meal the first Thursday of every other month at Redeemer Lutheran Church. This program goes beyond the provision of a warm meal by giving the appropriate time, love, and care to many who are not only hungry for a meal, but hungry for a healthy interaction with others. Through this program, we pray that relationships are established, developed, and lives are changed.
The Lancaster County Council of Churches started the Community Meals program in 2001. In 2012, the Council’s Community Meals program served over 100,000 meals. In 2019, the Lancaster County Council of Churches was renamed to be "Lancaster County Food Hub - Serving with Faith and Compassion."
Learn more about the work of the Lancaster County Food Hub and the Community Meals program at:
Bob & Judy Kay
Crossworld Missions, Texas
Bob and Judy Kay share the love of Christ with immigrants from many different countries. They work with the Hispanic church in Irving, Texas, and Bob often preaches in Spanish. Their work in the Texas includes training and mentoring new Christian leaders among the Hispanic population.
Giving Garden
Our Giving Garden is planted by our Children's Ministry Team each year. The children learn how to plant, care for, and reap a harvest! But, more importantly, our children learn how to love and share with others through this experience. Our goal is to teach the children how to be mission-minded in the early years of their lives.
The vegetables and herbs raised in this garden are donated to Mom's House in Lancaster City.
Global Mission Teams
We have had the great pleasure to send many individuals to places outside of the United States. Many individuals have served in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Kenya, Swaziland, Guinee Bissau, India, and New Zealand! Many have also served in other areas of the United States such as Ohio, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. That is just the beginning of the list! It is a blessing for us to be able to send individuals out to serve the world around us. We desire to Go and be love in a world that is filled with darkness.
