What is it like to worship in a different faith tradition? This is a question some Glen Cary youth have been exploring this year as they prepare for their upcoming confirmation. 

On Sunday, five youth attended Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota's "oldest and largest predominantly Black Baptist Church." This congregation was founded in 1866 by a group of escaped slaves who had made their way north from Mississippi.

Their history was remembered in the music, art, and stories shared during worship: in upbeat, rhythmic spirituals; in a drama decrying violence; in recalling the Exodus narrative. Notably, a few members shared reflections on Black History Month. The bulletins contained resources for reporting crimes of injustice.

This experience was quite a bit different than our typical Sunday at Glen Cary. Instead of Scandinavian wool sweaters, people wore suits and ties, exuberant hats, or traditional African clothing. The congregation frequently responded to the pastor with spirited shouts of "Amen!" There was a lot of clapping. And the service was over two hours long!

And yet, we were reminded that we are all united in Christ. We are all siblings in faith, here to share the good news of God's love. The church received us with warmth and hospitality, and blessed us with a new way of seeing the world-- if only for one morning. 

The confirmands have also visited Temple Israel (synagogue) and the Basilica of St. Mary's this year. These experiences have helped them to learn about others, ask questions, and explore their own faith more deeply.  

This week, dozens of members from Glen Cary and Our Saviour's Lutheran teamed up to serve families in transition through Family Promise of Anoka County. 

Family Promise is a nation-wide organization that provides temporary shelter, meals, hospitality, and case management to families with dependent children experiencing homelessness. Their goal is to help these families achieve housing independence. Glen Cary has been partnering with Family Promise for several years now, first as volunteers and then as a host congregation. Families now come several weeks a year to sleep at our church building. 

It can be difficult to imagine what these families are facing, especially in Minnesota winters.  We as the church have an opportunity to provide comfort in the midst of fear and hope in the midst of hopelessness. Warm, home-cooked meals and compassionate hospitality remind families of their inherent dignity. Evening activities with both parents and children provide a mental break from the stressors they face. Rides to and from the Day Center allow the entire process to go smoothly, moving them (literally and metaphorically) to the next step on their journey. 

In all of these things, we share the love of Christ with those whom society might otherwise forget. 

If you are interested in serving in this important ministry during our next host week, please contact Outreach Coordinator Sandy Forrest (sforrest@glencary.org).