Our Call
Realizing the radical nature of God's love through the cross, we believe our call as a congregation is to return that love, by seeking God, by loving the way Jesus loved, and by the ministry of reconciliation -- witnessing to the living Christ -- nurturing forgiveness, healing, peace, and justice not only within our fellowship but in our community and the world.
Our History
The Oak Grove Church of the Brethren congregation started its ministry in the Oak Grove community in 1902, as a Sunday School held in the Oak Grove School. The organizer of this ministry, C.E. Eller, donated much of the lumber, sawed from his timber, for the first meeting place built in 1908. Oak Grove was organized as a congregation in 1923, thus becoming independent from the mother congregation, Peters Creek Church of the Brethren which had begun north of Roanoke, VA before 1840.
1908
1925
God's presence in the Oak Grove congregation has been reflected by the need for building expansions in 1925 and 1937 (also adding electricity and central heat), and by a move in 1960 to a larger parcel of land, located a block from the original structure which still stands (and is now Showtimers Theater.) Three additions have been made to the 1960 building (see Map photo), the most recent addition completed in 2005. Oak Grove Church continues to seek to be the hands and face of Christ, as we respond to Our Call.
Logo
The Church of the Brethren logo is composed of images central to the life of Jesus Christ. The cross recalls our baptism into Christ's death and resurrection (Rom. 6:4) and testifies to God's plan to bring "all in heaven and on earth . . . into a unity in Christ" (Eph. 1:10 NEB). The circle, partially defined, represents the world into which we are sent by Christ (Matt. 28:19). The circle also affirms that as members of Christ's body we are members one of another (Rom. 12:5) -- a people who confess "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5). The wave connotes new life in Christ, "born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5). The wave further evokes the waters of justice (Amos 5:24), the cup of water offered in Christ's name (Mark 9:41), the basin and towel (John 13:5), and "springs of living water" (Rev. 7:17).
Combined as a single symbol, the cross, the circle, and the wave present a distinct "Brethren" statement centered in Jesus Christ. A statement reflecting a stable, yet vital spirit. A statement of openness and compassion, of reaching out to the community and to the world. A statement that calls forth unity, discipleship, and mission.