After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10
This past weekend, Pastor Walter Ramirez and his congregation, Iglesia Luterana Cross, hosted their first 10:30 AM worship service in our Youth Center. In the past, Pastor Walter has hosted worship at facilities in Plano and the Loving Arms Child Care Center on Cross’ North Campus. But now it’s exciting to see a Spanish-language opportunity here at Cross! While Iglesia Luterana Cross’ worship starts a little earlier than our last service (10:30 AM vs 10:45 AM), realize that EVERY Sunday at 10:45 AM there are TWO worship services happening on Cross’ campus!
It’s exciting because this new style of worship might be a blessing to someone you know. As we live out our faith missionally in the community, Spanish-language worship might be the perfect opportunity to connect with a friend, family member, or even a coworker. We have another opportunity to invite someone to worship with us at Cross. Maybe you don’t speak the Spanish language, but you could help facilitate a connection with Pastor Walter and his congregation.
This is also exciting because we can easily have additional bilingual worship services – like we did this past Pentecost. It’s easier now than ever for our congregations to come together and worship in both languages. And not just worship; but, our congregations could also come together in fellowship and service opportunities, working side-by-side to be a blessing to the greater community.
This provides an additional opportunity for the people of Cross to help and encourage Pastor Walter and his ministry. Have you ever wanted to take part in a cross-cultural experience? You don’t have to go far! Connect with Pastor Walter! As we take the time to get to know Pastor Walter and his congregation members, we might realize we have a gift or skill that could be a blessing to some of the ministries that Pastor Walter is trying to provide for the community.
But most importantly, Pastor Walter’s worship in our Youth Center reminds us of what heaven will look like. The apostle John saw, “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” John saw God’s people, in all of their differences, gathering around the same God in worship. In Christ, we who are different, are all made one. I’m excited to partner with Iglesia Luterana Cross here on Cross’ campus – but I’m even more excited for how God is going to work through both groups to reach our surrounding community!
Pastor Matt Conrad
