CSN – Message from the Pastor regarding 9 AM Spanish Worship

Dear Members and Friends of First Grace,
On Sunday, August 12, members of our 9 AM Spanish Speaking Worship Service will join the 11:10 AM English Worship Service indefinitely.
About eight weeks ago, the Spanish speaking members began a discernment process with me regarding the future of the 9 AM Spanish Worship. During those eight weeks, and for various difficult reasons, more than half the worshipping congregation moved to South Carolina, Colorado, Virginia and Mexico. Of the remaining 10 or so adults and children, a decision was made to begin worshipping with 11:10 AM English Worship Service. Wow.
“We have one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules and works through all and is present to all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness…In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other.” Ephesians 4.4-7; 25. Paul’s encounter with Christ and his faith made him courageously wild at heart and purpose. We should be too.
The vision for our 11:10 AM Worship is that we will continue being an English Worship experience that is culturally aware and sensitive. Matt and Virginia Candler and their three children are all bilingual and will lead the Bienvenidos Ministry to Spanish Speakers. Bienvenidos (Welcome) will provide electronic translation and a bilingual “Worship Friend” for Spanish speakers.You will have the opportunity to join this ministry at Sunday’s 4.10 Connection Fair after worship. In addition, one of the two songs during communion will be in Spanish, and the communion rite will reflect some Spanish language.
As you might expect, it is a lot to ask a Spanish speaker to worship in an English speaking setting. This decision was not made haphazardly, but thoughtfully. Just as it is for you, First Grace is our Spanish Speakers church home. They want to give this a go through December and then have another time of discernment.
I am so grateful for First Grace and your bold trust in the Gospel. I will see you Sunday at 11:10 with your open minds and wild hearts.
Until then, be good to yourself and hasta la vista,
Pastor Shawn