Holidays and Celebrations

Holidaying and Celebrating in the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC) and its members are often asked if we celebrate days of significance such as Christmas, travel for enjoyment or take vacations. While there are no strict rules, it is fair to say members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church will always prioritise attending church meetings, and celebrating the Lord’s Supper.

Celebrating the Lord’s Supper every Sunday

Every Sunday morning the Plymouth Brethren come together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, is the most significant observance for our members. The Plymouth Brethren attend bible readings and gospel preachings for the remainder of the Sunday. Families regularly host guests in their homes and prepare enjoyable meals for lots of people.

Do the Plymouth Brethren celebrate Christmas?

Plymouth Brethren members do not celebrate Christmas as it was not initiated by Jesus Christ or His apostles (as compared to the Lords Supper); however, we do look forward to these holidays. The Plymouth Brethren consider Christmas and other similar holidays as wonderful opportunities to spend more quality time with loved ones. Some families may choose to mark these occasions with gifts, charitable works or other acts of kindness.

Birthdays and other milestones

Plymouth Brethren families would choose not to hold extravagant birthday or anniversary parties, as the main celebration is the Lord’s Supper. But many families may choose to recognise these occasions in their own way, with presents or a family gathering, especially for younger family members.

Other significant calendar dates

Other calendar dates with historic significance, such as ANZAC Day, Memorial Day, or Remembrance Day, may be observed. Many Brethren families have grandparents and great grandparents that have actively served in past conflicts and therefore these days are a reminder of their service and an opportunity to reflect on their sacrifice.

Do the Plymouth Brethren travel?

Yes, the Plymouth Brethren travel often for business and church meetings. As attendance at church meetings is so important to our members, they would choose to travel to locations where the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church is established. This way, families can enjoy time together while keeping up their schedule of church meetings, and they can also meet other church members from across the world. Families will open their homes to other Brethren families who are visiting from other cities, states or countries. If you were to ask any member what they appreciate as being part of the Plymouth Brethren, many would say that they always feel welcomed and comfortable meeting anyone in the fellowship all over the world, and that travel is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and connections.