Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"One in the gospel": New worshipping community begins in Englewood


A new worshipping community in the model of a Latin American base community has begun gathering in the basement of Mayflower UCC. The first worship service (pictured) was Sunday night.

A dozen people gathered for this first service, months after preparation began in the form of a committee gathered by Pastor Anne Dunlap. Her vision spread as she finished seminary and began talking to folks about "a place where whites and Latinos can struggle for justice together."

Dunlap has always believed in the church as a force for change. Her vision of developing a new church arose gradually, with affirmation from mentors, friends, pastors, and a core group of interested worshippers. Mayflower's support has been key - including use of the space, which can be arranged in the round, with a communion table in the middle, and a quilt for babies to play on.

Dunlap has experience in Central America, the Southwest, and the Central Pacific Conference. She plans to stay in the metro area to grow Comunidad Liberacion, while also staying active in non-profit and activist communities.

At Liberation Community's first worship, excitement was high. The bilingual service will continue Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. at 3001 S. Acoma in Englewood -- no doubt attracting more and more people who believe "we are all unified by a liberating gospel, and by a love for all of America, its land and people."

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