Brethren in Christ Church

Brethren are a Brotherhood in Christ that came out of the Anabaptist Faith, just like the Mennonites. They also are a blend of Pietism and the Holiness movement. The denomination emerged in the late 1700's in largely German Immigrant areas of Pennsylvania. There are many different Brethren groups. Early Brethren in Christ members avoided “worldly” activities such as politics and certain amusements like card playing. Dress was simple and unadorned by jewelry, bright colors, or frills. Their plain uniform dress made them stand out in their communities which suited their belief of being a "separate people called out by God." Today many of the conservative congregations still hold true to the Plain living. Most churches, however, these days stay true to the strong religious doctrines and beliefs, but dress and live just as the average person. 

I visited the Desert Light Brethren in Christ Church's 10:30am service.

It is a Little Church with a Big Heart. 

As a newcomer they gave me a cross for my pocket and a small loaf of bread. First they sang their hearts out with Praise for the Lord. There was prayer and then communion. They had fellowship, or as they called it "loved on each other." The sermon was given by the music director about Grace. 

It was the story of Simon the Pharisee whom invited Christ to his house but did not provide him the common courtesy of washing his feet. The speaker said, Do not be like the Pharisees by not giving something to someone because they have nothing to offer you. The woman, that was labeled a sinner washed his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed him with oil. Grace is giving without any expectation of return; not because someone deserves it, rather it is what Christ would do. Grace is glorified simply by the object of Grace. God's Grace qualifies you to serve him instantly so open your heart to the Grace of Jesus.  When the father looks at you, he looks at you with love even when what you bring to him is broken and burnt. 

For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God. Not of works, that no man may glory. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9 


Your Faith has saved you, go in peace. 

The church puts a heavy emphasis on mission work, such as fundraising for Navajo children and working with the Albuquerque Rescue Mission. They also have a 5pm Sunday service in Spanish. 

They were a super friendly church, very welcoming. 

THANK YOU Desert Light Brethren in Christ Church for graciously welcoming me into your family. 

Faith Lutheran Church

The Lutheran church was founded rather unintentionally in 1517 by the German Monk, Martin Luther. In an attempt to reform the Catholic Church, he published 95 Theses in protest to the practice of indulgences. Instead of serving as an inspiration for reform in the church, it led to his excommunication. Despite threats to his life, he continued his studies and teachings which turned into Lutheranism. 

One of the largest and oldest denominations of Protestant Christianity. Lutherans number over 70 million worldwide, According to the Lutheran World Federation.

I did not realize this but there are actually many different types of Lutheran churches. There are Evangelical ELCA, Missouri Synoid LCMS, Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ  LCMC, and possibly even more. LCMC is a very small denomination of the Lutheran Faith with only 820 congregations worldwide. 


I attended Faith Lutheran's 5pm Saturday service. Their sanctuary is very spectacular and bright with expansive high windows that allow the Sandias to watch over during service. 

Faith Lutheran is a member of the LCMC and teaches the Lutheran themes of "grace alone, faith alone, word alone and Christ alone." 

Holy Communion is only conducted on the first Sunday of each month but is done so as an "open table" - all Christians who truly repent of their sins are welcome to join in receiving the Lord's Supper.

The service started with a prayer and then greetings - I have to say I love when churches have members greet each other during the service - adds a great warmth to the whole situation. 

SHINE their performance youth group performed a skit that illustrated how modern trappings such as hobbies or gaming can put a distance between you and Jesus. They did a fabulous job and showed great talent and pride in their faith. 

The sermon was based on Romans 12. Associate Pastor Jerry Watts spoke to the congregation of being mindful of that which truly rules your life. Are we allowing ourselves to be distracted by the modern conveniences and amusements of daily life? Rather than allowing external influences to guide our lives we should allow the Eternal to transform our lives ~ He encouraged us to let the Glory of God be brought out into our lives and shape our passions. 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind

~ Romans 12:2

Saved by grace through faith - Pastor Watts

Note: Because of the gorgeous sanctuary and view - it also seems to be a popular place for weddings. 

THANK YOU Faith Lutheran for sharing your worship service with me.