Speaker series focuses on ethnic diversity

NEW HOLLAND, Pa. — “Appreciating God’s Diversity” is the theme of this year’s “Meet the Churches” series of free lectures and discussions. The popular programs feature representatives of various faith communities in and around Lancaster County.

The public is invited to attend any or all of the presentations, which take place on the last three Mondays in July and August, beginning at 7 p.m., in the chapel at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave.

“Newer churches with a specific ethnic identity are among the fastest-growing churches in America at the present time,” said Chet Yoder, director of pastoral care at Garden Spot Village. “We are looking forward to hearing the stories of the churches that will be represented—about both their origins and their vibrancy today.”

Each session features a different pastor or religious leader from a local congregation. Speakers share about the history of their particular denomination as well as their congregation. A time of discussion follows each presentation. Some of the churches will bring musicians or other elements of their worship services.

The scheduled presentations are:

July 16 Sam Wanjau, African Community Church of Lancaster

July 23 Jose Lopez, New Holland Spanish Mennonite Church

July 30 Eunice Bert, Chinese Bible Church of Lancaster

Aug. 13 Rev. Dr. Alexander Goussetis, Annunciation Orthodox Church

Aug. 20 Tim Nguyen, Vietnamese Alliance Church

Aug. 27 Karen Sensenig, Habecker Mennonite Church, which serves refugees from Burma/Myanmar

The not-for-profit retirement community is home to all faiths and backgrounds. It is affiliated with the Lancaster Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church, the Atlantic Coast Conference of the Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Health Services. The community’s mission is “to enrich the lives of older adults as an expression of Christ’s love.”

Meet the Churches is open to residents of Garden Spot Village and the general public. The event is free. No pre-registration is required. For more information, please call Chet Yoder, director of pastoral care, at 717-355-6203.