Affiliations - Ambler Mennonite Church

Franconia Conference

Franconia Mennonite Conference, one of 21 conferences that comprise Mennonite Church USA, is a network of congregations, ministries, partnerships and initiatives continuing to emerge out of over 300 years of Anabaptist witness and faith in the Western Hemisphere that began in Philadelphia. The conference’s mission is to equip leaders to empower others to embrace God’s mission. With congregations and initiatives that span the Northeast Corridor from Southern Vermont to Northern Virginia, we work together in cultivating and developing leaders; in engaging the world through witness and relationships and in our commitment to Christ as the Center of our shared and individual vision.

The conference began as a gathering at the historic Franconia (PA) Mennonite meetinghouse, located approximately 25 miles north of Philadelphia. Today, we are increasingly urban and global in our connections and orientation. We work and worship in English, Indonesian, Spanish and Vietnamese. We have partnerships that span the globe providing opportunities to learn and share resources in commitments that embody and extend Christ’s way of redemptive peace.

Mennonite Church USA

Mennonite Church USA is one of nearly 20 formally organized groups of Mennonites in North America that vary in lifestyle and religious practice but all stem from the Anabaptist movement. Though their streams of faith may differ, Mennonite groups hold common beliefs: Jesus Christ is central to worship and to everyday living. Behavior is to follow Christ's example. The Bible is considered the inspired word of God. Membership continues to be voluntary, with adult baptism upon declaration of faith.

Mennonites are known for their peace stand, taken because they believe Jesus Christ taught the way of peace. Many members choose not to participate in military service. Some take their belief further by objecting to government military expenditure; a few choose not to pay the percentage of their annual income tax that would go for military purposes.

Mennonites are also known for their strong commitment to community; interest in social issues; voluntary service to those who have experienced hardship and loss in floods, tornadoes and other disasters; and mission outreach.

You can find out more about about Mennonite Church USA at their website. You can also learn more about Mennonite history and beliefs at Thirdway Cafe.