Dear One’s of St. C’s,

Last year St. Columba’s received a grant that would support the African Communities we are in relationship with along with supporting our relationship to these unique communities.  Part of that money was used for our St. Columba Day event last year and another part of that grant is being used for an event happening this Saturday.  The focus of the event will be on putting the children at the center and is sponsored by the Congolese community.  Mother Alissa will be the speaker and professional music will be offered by Congolese American artist,  Eric Mukebo.   This will be a fun event and we hope you can join.  Our Sudanese brothers and sisters will be there as well! 

I have been reflecting a lot on our relationship to these two communities and how much they have blessed us over the years.  Their music has been such a gift during Sunday morning worship.  Not only is it beautiful, but it is fun and opens our eyes to a new way of dancing, clapping, and being church together.  Adding into our worship different languages, styles of music, and a whole different culture I believe adds to both of our communities understanding of the what the Kingdom of God truly looks like. 

Over the years I have gotten to know the Sudanese community on a more intimate level.  I have attended their church services on Saturday evenings and have had the honor of presiding over and preaching at some of their funerals.  And of course many of the children from Sudanese church have also been very involved here at St. C’s and it has been a joy to get to know them.  As we have discerned what to do with this grant I have been discerning further how we can deepen our relationship with these communities.  I thought an easy first step would be to join the Sudanese community twice a year at their worship service and plan for a potluck afterwards where we share with one another our favorite dishes and have some table discussions with one another.  I wonder how else we might deepen this gift in our midst?  if you have ideas or thoughts send them my way!  Or if you are excited about the potluck idea reach out to me as well!  I am thinking about planning this for the Easter season as we focus on the resurrected Jesus and look for this new Kingdom of God here on earth.

peace, 

Meghan