Esperanza Service

I recently received this letter from David Fox and I was so impressed by his passion for the Esperanza service that I just had to share it with our church family.

Today’s premier Esperanza service was fabulous. It was the beginning of a new era at Washington Cathedral – the day the church took an incredible step towards reaching not only the “unchurched,” but the “churched without a church.” In other words, Latinos in Redmond who have no church nearby with services in their own language. The level of energy in the sanctuary was apparent right from the first Praise Team song, when Alex Wolf strummed an incredible Flamenco-type solo on his guitar. Pastor Ricardo Uribe could no longer contain his enthusiasm and ran over to the congas. He slapped a beat that took the rhythm of both the song and the service to new heights.

When Mackenzie Debow opened the service with announcements in Spanish and English, and we all knew that this dream of a bilingual service at Washington Cathedral was now a reality. After she invited us to meet two new people during the snack break, the congregation took it several steps further and introduced themselves to anyone they didn’t recognize. There was so much excitement in the air; it made me want to meet every unfamiliar face there.

God was clearly present with us, encouraging fellowship across cultures. I have always been intrigued to know that there exists a country in West Africa where Spanish is spoken, but I had no idea that I would meet a couple from Equatorial Guinea right here in our own sanctuary! There were people from several other Spanish-speaking countries present, as well as North Americans who had learned Spanish both here and afar. And many people without any Spanish background attended the first Esperanza service, where they heard a powerful message and had a wonderful time!

The best part of the service was Pastor Rey’s sermon entitled “What is in your hands?” based on the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-28. With Pastor Ricardo translating into English, Pastor Rey drew parallels with the challenges faced by young King David, Moses, and his own experience of getting cut from an all-girl volleyball team. We all know how enthusiastic Rey gets when he’s at the pulpit, so having to pause every sentence for Ricardo to translate for him was truly a challenge! At times Rey couldn’t think of a word in Spanish and said it in English instead, so Ricardo said the word in Spanish for him. Next thing we knew we were hearing a sermon in English being translated into Spanish! Pastor Elise later remarked that hearing it twice really allowed the word of God to sink in.

I was so proud of everyone’s willingness to reach out across cultural and linguistic fences to share the Gospel of Jesus. Kelsey Robinson had just returned from the High School mission trip to Honduras and put her newly-acquired Spanish to the test as an usher. Kelly Glenn did a wonderful job of giving the offertory prayer in her best “Castellano.” Sara Clark led the Praise Team with songs in Spanish, English and a combination of both! There were plenty of people working hard behind the scenes as well. Gigi Bresolin and Josh Kildall missed this wonderful service so they could lead the first bilingual Esperanza service Sunday school class. Josh said it was a good start, as only two out of eight children left the classroom in tears!!

I encourage you all to step out of your comfort zone and attend the new Esperanza service at 12:30pm Sundays. Better yet, reach out and invite a friend to come experience God’s presence with you. Who among us does not know someone who speaks or has studied Spanish at one time (maybe even you?) There are mini-flyers available in the atrium that will make it easy for you. Pastor Roy Seymour was brave enough to attend, he can now say, “Que Diós te bendiga” (God bless you.)

Have you tried the Esperanza service yet? What did you think?