Building Bridges With the Hispanic Community
So we, who are many, are one body in Christ – Romans 12:5
“We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.” – Pope Francis
During our latest food pantry, we welcomed 99 families to our church. A growing majority of the families are Hispanic, reflecting the vibrant Latino community in Sussex County. Our faithful volunteers accompanied our clients through the shopping process, allowing them to choose the items needed to sustain their families during the next few weeks. The pantry leaders have diligently made sure there are labels in English and Spanish and that the Hispanic community feels welcome. I have witnessed many shared moments of connection.
Because of the connections made through the pantry, Community Church decided to offer an English language program for adults. For the past several months, we have taught English to a diverse group of students from across the Americas. Our volunteers have welcomed our students by working with them one-on-one, driving them to class, accompanying them to job interviews, and providing them with food from our pantry after class. We have learned so much from our students and have listened to many stories of fear and uncertainty because of the current political situation.
Two of our most faithful students belong to a thriving Latino church. Through them, we have made connections with this church and are exploring ways that we can support them in their goals to build a sanctuary of their own.
It is so important that we stand with this vulnerable community. We are one body of Christ, and we are constantly learning so much from each other.
Peace,
Mari Satterlee
Council President