Eighteen people convened last Saturday at La Foret for a worship service led by Rev. Linda Jaramillo, from UCC national staff. Folks came from Parkview UCC, Mountainview UCC, Washington Park UCC, Mayflower UCC, and the Denver Inner City Parish.
The text and illustrations of the sermon were based on the pastoral life - that is, the life of a sheepherder. For five centuries, this has been the occupation of Jaramillo's family in Southern Colorado.
"Work with leader sheep, make sure they know the sound of your voice," were some tips of the trade she shared. In emphasizing inclusivity, she said that all Christians who care about the example of Jesus should open wide the gate of their experience of the gospel. Whether sheep like each other is not as important as who is the Shepherd. Furthermore, sheeps' job is not to be like one another, but to be their authentic selves.
Jaramillo's message was one of encouragement in forging Latino ministries in the United Church of Christ, whether among Hispanics, Chicanos, Mexicans, Guatemalans, or among those congregations identified as white or Black. She brought news that the Council of Hispanic Ministries will soon create a Southwest chapter.
Meanwhile, the assembly raised an offering for a new bilingual church starting in Colorado - Comunidad Liberacion.
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