wfn.org | Multicultural Festival celebrates UCC growing diversity

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Multicultural Festival celebrates UCC growing diversity

> Written by Tim Kershner
> June 26, 2009

At a multicultural welcoming party Thursday, delegates and visitors to
the UCC's General Synod 27 celebrated the rich diversity of our
community and church.

St. John's UCC in Grand Rapids, Mich., hosted the Children and
Families Multicultural Festival, complete with music, dance, food and
a message of God's extravagant welcome. Also welcoming guests was
Grand Rapids Mayor George K. Heartwell.

More than 40 groups representing church agencies, social service
organizations and local churches shared crafts, information on
multicultural ministries and guidance on support programs. The
festival was sponsored by Office of Children and Family Ministries,
part of the Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Team in Local
Church Ministries.

Among those making connections was storyteller Waly Sene, a native of
Senegal, West Africa, whose tales of his homeland told of universal
themes of friendship and community. He was joined throughout the day
by West African drummers, a mariachi band and a community sing-along
of It's A Small, Small World.

Food vendors also helped the multicultural spirit with local and
international treats. The festival screened The Peace Tree, a movie in
which Christian and Muslim children learn the lessons of friendship
and tolerance, and suggests that their parents do the same.