오늘의 선교 연감
Mission Yearbook: The Brandermill Church in Midlothian, Virginia, is born of unity and growing in grace
When residents moved into Brandermill, a planned community in Chesterfield County, Virginia, in the mid-1970s, they envisioned more than just a neighborhood. They dreamed of a new dimension in church life. In March 1974, the Virginia Council of Churches invited denominations to reach across traditional lines and create something unprecedented: an ecumenical congregation that would unite rather than divide.
The Richmond District of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and Hanover Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (PCUS) answered that call. Under the leadership of Rev. D. Clyde Bartges, worship began in February 1977, and by Nov. 6, 1977, The Brandermill Church was officially chartered with 126 members. Our founding covenant declared a sacred commitment: to serve as one body under Christ’s Lordship, witnessing to our unity in him.
Nearly 50 years later, that ecumenical spirit remains our heartbeat. Though now affiliated with the PC(USA), we continue honoring both Reformed and Evangelical traditions. Our congregation reflects beautiful diversity — about half our members live in Brandermill, half come from surrounding communities, and all come from varied Christian backgrounds, united in our mission to “engage disciples to worship, study and serve.”
Our commitment to intergenerational ministry — “Growing Young Together” — brings seasoned disciples alongside our youngest members, creating bonds that span generations. From our thriving weekday preschool to adult discipleship programs, we nurture faith at every stage. Our six Marks of Discipleship — prayer, worship, Scripture reading, service, relationships and giving — form the rhythm of our shared life, creating what we call a “PoWeR SuRGe” of faith.
We believe in the priesthood of all believers, that every Christian has direct access to God and a calling to ministry. Through committees, teams, and our elected Church Council, we practice the Reformed principle of shared governance, discerning God's will together through prayer and the Spirit’s guidance.
The Brandermill Church stands on the shoulders of giants — our great cloud of witnesses from both PC(USA) and UMC traditions who sustain and inspire us. We are proof that unity in Christ transcends denominational lines, and that when we invest our voice, energy, spirit and time in God’s work, extraordinary things happen.
Rev. Christopher M. Tweel; Senior Pastor and Head of Staff; The Brandermill Church; Midlothian, Virginia
Let us join in prayer for:
Heath Carter, Senior Editor of The Journal of Presbyterian History, Presbyterian Historical Society
Jackie Carter, Project Manager, Media & Publishing, Presbyterian Life & Witness
Let us pray:
Gracious God, who calls us to be one body in Christ, we thank you for The Brandermill - - born from a vision of unity and sustained by your grace. Bless all ecumenical congregations seeking to witness to your love across denominational lines. May our commitment to worship, study and serve together inspire others to build bridges tather than walls. Gyide us as we nurture faith across generations, that young and old alike may discover, nurture and share your gifts. In Christ's name. Amen.