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InFormation: Adult Ministries (Summer 2006)
Contents:
A Note from Deb Smith
 Recently while walking through my favorite store, I was intrigued by the wide variety of languages I heard being spoken. I overheard people speaking Kurdish, Japanese, French, and Somali. The language, other than English, that I heard the most often was Spanish. Like most people who live in the United States, my city is becoming increasingly culturally diverse. My life is richer because of this diversity that allows me to experience new flavors, sounds, and sights. Sadly, my congregation is not as culturally diverse as my favorite store.
When a lawyer asks Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"(Luke 10:29), Jesus replies with a story that broadens the lawyer's understanding of neighbor. Perhaps we all need to consider whether Jesus is also asking us to broaden our understanding of who is our neighbor.
This issue of InFormation: Adult Ministries explores ministry with our fastest growing population segment, the Hispanic/Latino community. The article, "Called to Be a Bridge Person," by Marigene Chamberlain looks at how different cultures value things, such as time and status, and how misunderstandings can arise. Consider using the questions at the end of the article as a springboard to discus how your congregation bridges cultures.
Many congregations want to be in ministry with their Hispanic/Latino neighbors, but don't know where to start. "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors: Embracing Our Hispanic Brothers and Sisters" by Edwin Santos provides some beginning steps. I found the distinction between assimilation and acculturation to be particularly helpful. Edwin recently joined the staff of the General Board of Discipleship as Director of Leadership Development in the Office of Hispanic/Latino Ministries. More information about him and others in the Office of Hispanic/Latino ministry may be found in the "Meet the Staff" article in this issue.
I hope that this issue of InFormation: Adult Ministries will encourage you to consider ways that adults in your congregation are being challenged and equipped to be in ministry with all of God's people.
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Deb Smith is Director of Middle Adult Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. You may contact her at dsmith@gbod.org.
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