On Jan. 21, 1525, a small group gathered in a small house in Zurich, Switzerland, where Conrad Grebel performed the first adult baptism of George Blaurock, beginning the Anabaptist faith tradition.
Five hundred years later, Anabaptists from around the continent gathered, both in-person and virtually, to watch a worship service on the night of Tuesday, Jan. 21, packing into the chapel at College Mennonite Church until it was filled to the brim. The service featured a number of different speakers, congregational singing, performances from all three Goshen College choirs, homages to Anabaptists of the past, and discussions of the future of Anabaptism. Tuesday night was also a celebration of the release of MennoMedia’s Anabaptist Community Bible, an initiative that has been in the making for the past two years.
Cupcakes prepped for the reception.Artwork from the Bible was set up on the stage.Prelude: Beverly LappA newspaper of historical Anabaptist news was available.Welcome: Phil Waite and Gilberto Pérez, Jr.Waite and Pérez, Jr.Call to Worship: Amy GingerichAmy GingerichCongregational singing: “O God and Father”“O God and Father”“O God and Father”“O God and Father”Vox Profundi: “True Evangelical Faith”Vox ProfundiVox ProfundiPrayer and Scripture: Mollee MonaHomily, “The Courage to Love”: John D. RothRothRothRothRothRothRothChamber Choir: “Welcome, House of our God”Chamber ChoirChamber ChoirChamber Choir“Looking Back” message: Emmy Barth Maendel TrapnellMaendel TrapnellMaendel Trapnell“Living Forward” message: Cindy VothCindy VothCindy VothCongregational singing: “God of the Bible”“God of the Bible”“God of the Bible”“God of the Bible”“God of the Bible”“Living Forward” message: Gerald MastMastMastVoices of the Earth: “Le’ul Tewelede Be Betelihem”Voices of the EarthVoices of the EarthVoices of the EarthCelebrating the Anabaptist Community Bible: Mitch StutzmanLitany from the Anabaptist Community Bible: Rafael BarahonaLitany: Madalyn MetzgerLitany: Jen ShenkLitany: Phil WaiteLitany: Jackie Wyse-RhodesPrayer of Dedication for the Anabaptist Community BibleCongregational Singing: “Praise God (Dedication Anthem)”Commemorative hats were available at the reception.Menno Simons was available for photos!Books from MennoMedia were available.GC students loading up plates of food!Reception foodReception foodReception foodThe “Anabaptist Historical Vignettes” were available for anyone to take.A GC student poses with Menno Simons.Reception foodReception food and fellowshipA group poses with Menno.Reception foodReception food
