We are affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, a church that understands itself to be continuing the work of Jesus: peacefully, simply, together.  Simply put, we are a Christian community that believes in doing what Jesus did: helping people meet the practical and spiritual needs of day-to-day life.  Using the New Testament as our creed and guide, we encourage a faith rooted in relationship with Christ and respectful of each person's voice; we maintain an unflagging commitment to peacemaking and reconciliation; and, we reach out to all people as God's children, our brothers and our sisters.  We are a church and a people who put faith into action, who seek to live for the glory of God and our neighbors' good.

Heritage

The Church of the Brethren originated in Germany in 1708 when a small group of believers committed themselves to put into practice the teachings of the New Testament.  Within 25 years most of the members had emigrated to Pennsylvania where the church was officially established.

Today

The Church of the Brethren has congregations in Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and the United States where there are 150,000 members in 1,000 congregations.  Skyridge is one of the 23 congregations in the Michigan District.  The denominational headquarters are located in Elgin, Illinois.  Our denomination sponsors Bethany Theological Seminary (Richmond, IN), six colleges, 25 retirement communities, and 30 camps.  Annual regional conferences, national young adult conferences, international work camps for youth and young adults, camping programs for all ages, and district and national church gatherings regularly provide times for worship, reflection, fellowship and service.

As a congregation and a denomination we cooperate locally, nationally, and internationally with those of other Christian denominations and other faiths.  The Church of the Brethren is a member of the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Skyridge Church is a member congregation of the Supportive Congregations Network (SCN), a group of Brethren and Mennonite Congregations which are publicly 'open and affirming.'  'Open and affirming' congregations welcome the full membership and participation of lesbian sisters and gay brothers.

Commitment to Peace & Justice

The Brethren commitment to peace and justice has been instrumental in establishing a number of ecumenical efforts: 

Denomination based efforts to reach out to those in need throughout the world include: