Service work has been a cornerstone of the Brethren faith since its inception amidst the economically broken, war-weary European landscape of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Grossnickle Church of the Brethren strives to continue this important tradition through a wide range of mission and outreach services to help feed the hungry and shoulder the burden of those struck by disaster, poverty, war and sorrow. 

Here are a few examples of different ways in which we try to serve and in which you can get involved:

Adopt-a-Road

We participate in Frederick County's Adopt-a-Road program and have adopted a 5-mile stretch of Harp Hill Road and Meeting House Road for litter clean-up.

Brethren Service Center

Each month (Fall through Spring), we organize volunteers to  travel to the Brethren Service Center in nearby New Windsor to support SERRV’s retail operation.  SERRV’s mission is to “eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.”  On what has come to be known as "New Windsor Work Days," our volunteers assist in packaging of clothing, food and other handmade articles from these farmers and artisans in support of fair trade.

Clothing Drive

Twice a year we collect clothes for donation to those in need.

Disaster Response

When disaster strikes, Brethren Disaster Ministries provide volunteers to clean up debris or mud and to repair or rebuild homes for disaster survivors in need.  The presence of these volunteer work teams helps to ease the trauma and promote recovery. Grossnickle Church of the Brethren continues to participate in Disaster Response activities around the country.

Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village Auxiliary

We participate in a number of volunteer opportunities and fundraising activities in support of the Fahrney-Keedy Home & Village for the senior community in Boonsboro, MD, including hosting the annual birthday celebration for the residents in January.

Field of Hope / Growing Project

We participate with a number of other local churches to donate land, time and money to Growing Hope Globally which is working directly with communities overseas to end hunger.   Join us each spring at the Field of Hope on Wolfsville Road as we celebrate the Blessing of the Seed and for our Harvest Festival Celebration in the fall.  

Food Pantry Sundays

Twice a year we collect food for donation to the local Food Pantry Program operated by the Salem United Methodist Church.

Giving Tree

Through Middletown Valley's People Helping People, each year at Christmas we provide clothing and gifts to a family in need.

James Gang

The James Gang is a care-giving group in our Church that sends cards, makes calls and visits those in need in the Church and in the local community.

Kids Klub

Children in Grades 1 through 5 are eligible to attend and participate in this ministry led by Lois Glessner.  Kids Klub is held on Wednesday's during the months of October through April at 6:30 - 8:00pm in the Parish Hall.  In addition to hearing Bible stories from Mrs. Glessner, children enjoy a variety of activities, games, music and crafts that teach children about God and the life of Jesus.

Meals on Wheels

Members of the congregation gather once a month to prepare and deliver a hot meal to seniors within the community that have contacted the church.

Meat Canning

Souper Bowl of Caring

We participate in this annual program designed to fight hunger and poverty in local communities.  

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is held during the last week of June and includes crafts, singing, bible study, outdoor activities and fun!  VBS is open to school-age children within the community.

Work Camps

Each year, our junior and senior high youth participate in week-long Work Camps around the country.  These work camps are short-term mission trips that connect service with Christian faith.  On these trips, we strive to make a difference through service projects, sharing, prayer and living simply within a community.

Young Believers

The Young Believers, our group for students in Grades 9 and 10 meets twice a month in the High School Class Room on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00pm during the months of October through April.  Young Believers will explore the Bible and engage in service projects for the surrounding community.

Y4J (Youth for Jesus)

Y4J welcomes youth in Grades 6, 7 and 8 to explore the Bible and engage in lively discussions about what they have read.  Y4J enjoy fun, games, group activities and fellowship. Y4J meets each Wednesday from October - April from 6:30 - 8:00pm.