Multicultural melodies
Presbyterian Center worshipers try singing in unfamiliar languages and in those closest to their heart
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE - To celebrate Intercultural Church Day, worshipers at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville Wednesday were invited to sing verses of well-known hymns - "How Great Thou Art" and "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!" among them - in English, Korean and Spanish, as well as in the "language closest to your heart."
Then they heard a pair of brief reflections on what the intercultural church looks like.
The Rev. Shanea Leonard, Associate for Gender & Racial Justice, told worshipers "there's something about coming together around a meal." (Photo by Tammy Warren)
At such gatherings, "all our cultures come together and co-exist. You can bring all of you and I can bring all of me. Curried chicken and matzo ball soup show up. We don't have to
leave who we are at the door," she said. "You are celebrated at the table for just being who you are."
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For one youth, messages have lasting value
Pentecost Offering supports Presbyterian Youth Triennium's effort
to inspire deeper faith
By By Pat Cole
Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE- In an age when fleeting social media messages saturate the lives of teens, Kylie Carlson treasures the lasting impact of some powerful words scrawled on tiny slips of paper.
For three years, she has kept the messages that were stashed in her "Compliment Bag" at the 2016
Presbyterian Youth Triennium. They were put there by members of her small group, and the affirmations range from casual to transformational.
One member wrote to Kylie, "You are a good public speaker." These words were particularly significant for her because Kylie, who had just finished her freshman year in high school, was fearful of public speaking. The compliment came after the writer heard Kylie speak in a small group.
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