Red and yellow, black
and white they are precious in God’s sight! Pastor Karen
Hernandez-Granzen, says, “Sunday morning worship at Westminster
is a dress rehearsal for the multicultural worship of the people
of all tribes, races, and languages that will take place in
the Holy City, the new Jerusalem.” Westminster Presbyterian
and the city of Trenton, New Jersey, are working partners in
the revitalization of this neighborhood. The impact can best
be seen in creative programming for children. Westminster sponsors
GET SET, a program to decrease violence in the neighborhood
and in the schools, an academic program to boost performance,
and a vacation Bible school program in English and Spanish.
In a special summer camp experience, the theme is “Children
of the Earth,” described as a global, ecological theme
that brings the children together in learning to garden, dance,
play, and sing as they learn about the earth and people and
cultures all around the world. Once on the verge of closing,
Westminster is now a multiracial, multicultural, and intergenerational
worshiping congregation that embraces traditional and contemporary
styles of worship.
Reformation Sunday is seen today as an opportunity to celebrate
a church that is continually reforming. At Westminster Church,
a reformation is under way.
—Rev. Michael E. Livingston, executive director, International
Council of Community Churches |
