Celebrate ministry during Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate ministry during Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrate ministry during Hispanic Heritage Month
Lydia Patterson Institute, a United Methodist-related school in El Paso, Texas, serves students from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. It is one way The United Methodist Church supports Hispanic students and honors their heritage.
UMNS/SAM HODGES
The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States – Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 – is the perfect time to celebrate The United Methodist Church’s National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry.
More than 20 years ago, The United Methodist Church envisioned a world in which all cultures would hear of the saving acts of God and give witness to them in their own tongues. With its eyes on this goal, the church started serving Hispanic/Latino communities across the United States by implementing a national plan. In biblical language, the church dreamed of a community of faith that would include all of God’s beloved children and strengthened its efforts to build a church rich with the beauty of all races and cultures.
The 1992 General Conference adopted a national plan to address the needs of the Hispanic/Latino community. Every General Conference since has enthusiastically endorsed an updated plan and responded to the challenges and opportunities presented.
For two decades, the denomination has planted churches, revitalized existing congregations, trained leaders and created contextualized training resources for Hispanic/Latino United Methodists.
Learn more about the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry.
Find resources and celebration ideas for Hispanic Heritage Month at www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.
Barbara Dunlap-Berg, associate editor, Interpreter