The following terms reflect the culture of the Church of the Brethren, a denomination grounded on the principles of Anabaptism and founded through the Pietist efforts of Alexander Mack, in the summer of 1708 near the small German village of Schwarzenau. This resource is not an exhaustive compilation of all denominational terminology, which might also be garnered from other Brethren works, such as the Brethren Encyclopedia, Brethren Bibliography, European Origins, Brethren in America, Ephrata Cloister, 19th Century Acculturation, Brethren Timeline, Brethren Groups, and Brethren Genealogy. You are encouraged to share your comments, suggestions, or corrections with the Web Administrator.

SERRV

SERRV International is a non-profit organization which promotes the social and economic progress of people in developing regions of the world by purchasing and marketing their crafts in a just and direct manner. They have been creating a strategic marketplace based on fairness for almost fifty years. More than 3,000 one-of-a-kind items made by artisans from over thirty countries are on display in their International Gift Shop located in New Windsor, Maryland. In the alternative trade community, they are known for their outstanding customer service and quality control. When you buy a handcraft from SERRV International you become part of a global partnership of justice and hope. Your purchase brings dignity and needed income to a developing world artisan. You receive a one of a kind quality product at an affordable price.

Formerly called Sales Exchange Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation, SERRV International markets crafts through churches, socially responsible retailers, and community groups throughout the United States, as well as sales through direct mail. It was originally created in 1949 by the Church of the Brethren to assist World War II refugees, and received a distribution network in the early 1960's from Church World Service. Presently, SERRV International is marketing around $5 million annually, in cooperation with artisans in 30+ developing countries. Call (800) 723-3712 to learn how you can participate. To receive a free catalog, call (800) 423-0071. SERRV is an independent program of the Church of the Brethren and is a member of the International Federation for Alternative Trade.

 www.serrv.org

Single Mode

See Feet Washing: Single Mode.

Special Offerings (Church of the Brethren)

There are presently four options for donating to Church of the Brethre ministries: Advent, Global Mission, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Pentecost .

 www.brethren.org/offerings/

Standing Committee: Annual Conference

See Annual Conference Terminology

Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center

A cooperative venture in 1993 of Bethany Theological Seminary, Atlantic-Northeast District and Pennsylvania Southern District to offer seminary level education and ministry training for Brethren students, licensed ministers, and lay persons who could not relocate families to the main Bethany campus in Richmond, Indiana. The Center is located on the campus of Elizabethtown College. Although there are Brethren congregations in most of the fifty states, most Brethren are geographically clustered within five hundred miles of central Pennsylvania.

 www.etown.edu/programs/svmc/