Under a blazing sun on May 24, the Bethany congregation in Carit de Puriscal – a church that is literally without walls, reflecting the motto of the Lutheran Church of Costa Rica – opened its “doors” to more than 100 people, who arrived from the Puriscal area, San José and across the country to celebrate the congregation's fourth anniversary.
Nombre de autor: Comunicación y Relaciones
A baptism and confirmation of four youths were also celebrated.
In his sermon, Pastor Gilberto Quesada called upon all churches to be spaces that call and generate the participation of important populations: children, youth, indigenous peoples, immigrants, campesinos (peasant farmers), women, and people living with HIV/AIDS – groups that have been marginalized or ignored by churches traditionally.
“Christ calls us not only to celebrate Holy Communion, but also to make visible his project in concrete actions: formation, training, organization, defense of rights, and respect and conservation of the environment. Interpreting John 17:6-19, we cannot stay forever in leadership roles. It's necessary to constantly generate new leaders, empowering people that will take on new projects with new demands.”
Following this idea of calling, the community shared in the baptism of Nair Larissa and the confirmation of Cristina Mora, Isaac Mora, Michael Valverde and Jennifer Leiva.
Bishop Melvin Jimenez shared in the baptism and confirmation rites, imparting a message calling churches to not only be present in liturgical or celebratory spaces, but rather in society, fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable.
The community also received visitors from the congregations of San Sebastian and Quitirrisi, who congratulated the community for its journey.
Additionally, a delegation from First English Lutheran Church in Texas also visited the community and participated with a musical presentation: “The Old Rugged Cross.”