Church news

Four women in our congregation had babies from second week in November to the last week in December. Two women had boys—Moises and Jeremias—and two had girls—Carlota and Carla. Moises is the youngest of three, Jeremias is the youngest of four, Carlota the youngest of two (incidentally, Noemia, our housekeeper’s baby) and Carla the youngest of five. When the child is born, the women of the church go to the mother’s house to have a dedication. They preach a sermonette on Luke 2: 21-52, the story of Jesus presented at the temple. Then they sing, dance and pass the baby around while others donate money to the family. After this ceremony the mother is free to bring the child to church. The first Sunday the mother and child are in church, they have a baby dedication. At this dedication, the name is announced (if they haven’t yet announced its name). The pastor gives a sermonette about how babies are from God and again people sing, dance and give an offering to the mother.

Joél has started Sunday School at church for the men. They are learning the books of the Bible and a brief synopsis of each book. Each week they have a different verse to memorize. He told them if they memorize 50 verses, he will give them a Bible. After two weeks, most people have said their verses. About 10 men are attending and they seem to be liking the study. The 9:00 AM Sunday School actually begins at 10:00ish. It’s part of us learning how to adapt to the difference in time understanding as well as admitting that no one will actually arrive for 9:00 until 10:00.

I have started children’s time during the service. I began the week before Christmas and told the children the Christmas story using my Nativity scene figurines. The adults were more interested that the children that week! Each week, I chose a different story from a children’s Bible story book to tell. The children do not seem to understand if I read it so I tell them the story and one of the men in church interprets for me. More children have started coming to church. It also is a good way to have the adults learn the stories of the Bible because they listen as well.

The women in the church have met together every week of this New Year. This is quite the accomplishment for these women who do not consistently meet. The first week of the year, we went to Amelia’s house to dedicate her baby. The second week, we went to Mariazinha’s to dedicate her baby. The following week they decided to visit me. During that visit, we decided to hold it at my house the next week because only four women came. So this past week, seven women came. When it was at my house, I asked them questions about why church is important and where they want their church to be in the future. We also agreed to pray for the woman on our right through out the week. Next week it is at Mãe Pastora’s (pastor’s wife) and several have said that they will pick me up en route. I do not have much hope for this group to continue meeting like this because of their tendency to not consistently come, but am delighted each week when women come. Perhaps as we pray together, God’s spirit will move and the group will continue to grow in commitment.