Who we are
Welcome to North Baltimore Mennonite Church!
North Baltimore Mennonite Church (NBMC) is a diverse community of ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnicities. Some of us grew up in the Mennonite Church, while many others come from a variety of religious backgrounds; others are still on a spiritual journey of discovery. We all have one thing in common: we are open to learning what it means to love God and to serve each other, our neighbors, the city, and the world.
NBMC rejoices that in Jesus Christ, God came into the world to live the model human life, to die in love for the world, and to rise from the dead to defeat the power of evil and begin a new world. This is the Gospel. Our mission is to share Christ’s reconciling love with our communities and the world.
NBMC welcomes the full participation and membership of all gender identities and sexualities.
We believe many of the core tenants which unite Mennonites the world over:
- We believe that actively following Jesus is central to our lives.
- We seek to follow Jesus above all, above nationalism, racism or materialism.
- We are a historic peace church. We follow Jesus as a peacemaker and believe that we can practice the way of Jesus’ reconciling love in human conflicts and in response to violence.
- We believe in living simply and in service to others as a witness to God’s love for the world.
We are located in the Roland Park suburb of Baltimore at 4615 Roland Avenue, Baltimore 21210, on the corner of Oakdale Road and Roland Avenue. Our entrance is on the Oakdale Road side of the church.
Street parking is easily available. Parking on Oakdale Road near the main entrance are reserved for those with disabilities. There is a handicap accessible ramp on the Roland Avenue side of the church.
Our service typically features hymns sung by a congregation known for its four-part harmony. We often sing praise songs and occasionally incorporate music from cultures outside the U.S. After the sermon, there is a time for reflection and response from the congregation. Then stick around after the service for Fellowship Hour with treats and coffee!
We do not have a dress code and congregants attend in a variety of clothing. Be comfortable and be yourself.
The Sunday worship service is also available online via Zoom. Please contact Office Manager Ashley Hoard at [email protected] for the Zoom link.
NBMC was founded in 1986 by two couples: Robert and Ruby Lehman and Frank and Evelyn Nice. Since that time, our congregation has grown to about 110 people. From the beginning, small group Bible studies have been an important part of our congregation’s life. Today, six groups meet on various nights during the week. Newcomers are always welcome!
We purchased our historic building from a Church of the Brethren congregation in 1987. During the week the building is used by a variety of groups – a music school, a 12-step recovery group, and music teachers who use the space for recitals. NBMC supports a number of local and international ministries.
Although “Mennonite” might bring to mind images of rural people in horses and buggies, NBMC’s people are more comfortable in cars or on public transit. We are more likely to be found working in offices, hospitals, nonprofits or classrooms than on farms. There is no one Mennonite identity, but we share many beliefs in common. We believe that God calls us to be followers of Jesus Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to grow as communities of grace, joy and peace, so that God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.
The Mennonite Church is an Anabaptist, Christian denomination with roots in the Radical Reformation of 16th-century Europe. It was named for Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who embraced Anabaptist theology. We encourage you to learn more here.