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Franciscans
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La Rondalla de la Iglesia del Séptimo Dia de Monroe, NC
One Voice, One People, One Church....in Christ! Dear Friends, Christians today disagree on many issues but there is one point on which I think all are in agreement, and that is the church in our day is at a crossroads or turning point. There is much dissention, disunion, disagreement, prejudice and quite frankly a major loss in our focus as to who we are and who we are supposed to be in the eyes of Christ. I would like to share with you a small glimmer of hope. Brought about by God's immeasurable grace and love and those open to it, I observed two Christian congregations with different theological perspective come together for an evening of worship and song. Last Sunday, October 30, 2005 the guitar choir of La Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día de Monroe (the Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church of Monroe) came to sing for and worship with the congregation of a New Life Metropolitan Community Church in Charlotte, NC. As in all things new, apprehensions and nervousness abounded on both sides. It was an uplifting experience to see the transformation that took place. When the group of 10 guitarists began to strum their guitars in precise unison and sing, all eyes opened wide. Many a countenance changed from cautious observance to smiles of happiness and acceptance. Every foot tapped to the joyful and comforting beat of the music. And even though the lyrics were not understood, the meaning surely was. The emotion with which the group played and sang demonstrated their love for Christ and certainly their joy at being among the congregation that evening. The leader offered prayers between songs (interpreted into English by his daughter who accompanied the choir) and invited everyone to not only enjoy the music and praise and thank God, but to enter into a bond of friendship. Rev. Tim Koch of New Life embraced the group with gracious hospitality and shared worship and prayers with them also, in their language. The faces of the group and their invited guests beamed with gratitude as they heard prayers and words of thanksgiving and appreciation directed to them in their native tongue. It touched my heart to see both groups together and I could see in my mind's eye, the smiling face of Christ looking down upon everyone and being very pleased. It was moment that will forever be etched in my memory and will constantly remind me that we can be one voice, one people and one church in Christ. Paz y Bien, Pictures Courtesy of Br. Curtis Boe, nFFP Here are the songs that were sung and their translation.
CRISTO JESÚS
CHRIST JESUS
ESPÍRITU DE DIOS THE
SPIRIT OF GOD
GLORIOSO AMOR
GLORIOUS LOVE
Pax Et Bonum!
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