In 1767, Philip Otterbein, a German-born Reformed pastor serving along the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, attended a worship service at Long's Barn near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Preaching during the service was Mennonite farmer Martin Boehm. Inspired by Boehm's words, Otterbein approached him after the service and greeted him with the words "Wir sind Bruder" which translates as "We are brothers." From that day forward, the two men grew a close relationship that would lay the foundation of the United Brethren in Christ, one of the forerunners of The United Methodist Church. Church historian Frederick Norwood notes, “They were an interesting pair: Otterbein the stately university-trained minister and Boehm the Mennonite farmer with a full beard.” Despite the differences in their backgrounds and denominations, the two men recognized between them a brotherhood that transcended these differences. It is from this sense of unity that our denomination claims the word "United" as part of its name.
Thoughts to ponder: How do we let differences in our backgrounds stand in the way of our being united with others? Have you ever met anyone with whom you immediately felt a kindred connection? How did this connection transcend your differences? What differences should we lay aside so that we can have unity in Christ with others?
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