IGLESIA LUTERANA LA VELA LUTHERAN

Dando de comer a los indigentes en Greensboro Urban Ministry (GUM)

2012-07-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

2012-05-03T08:09:00.001-07:00

Los jóvenes participaron en un día de servicio el 14 de abril de 2012 con Habitat for Humanity que construye casa para los pobres.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Our youth took part in a service project on April 14, 2012 at Habitat for Humanity which builds houses for the homeless.

Las Posadas/A Latino Christmas Drama

2012-01-04T17:14:00.000-08:00

RECITAMOS LA LETANIA CON LA FAMILIA SAGRADA, DANDO LA BIENVENIDA A MARIA Y JOSE. SINGING THE TRADITIONAL LITANY TO CELEBRATE THE WELCOME OF THE HOLY FAMILY TO THE INN.

Peregrinos

En nombre del cielo os pido posada,

pues no puede_andar ya mi_esposa amada

Pilgrims

In the name of Heaven I beg you for lodging,
for she cannot walk my beloved wife.

Posaderos

¿Eres tú José? ¿Tu_esposa_es María?

Entren peregrinos, no los conocía.

Innkeepers

Are you Joseph? Your wife is Mary?
Enter, pilgrims; I did not recognize you!

Una visita de la Iglesia Luterana Nacional

2011-11-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

Pastor Ernie Hinojosa
NC Director of Missions

(English follows)

Pastor Joe García
Latino Ministries, ELCA

Disfrutamos con felicidad a una delegación de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América el 11 hasta el 13 de noviembre. Hicieron entrevistas de miembros de la congregación, vecinos, amigos de Misión La Vela y líderes en la comunidad de Greensboro. El Reverendo Joe Garcia, Director Nacional de Ministerios Latinos de San Antonio, ofreció el sermon el domingo y también dimos la bienvenida al Reverendo Ernie Hinojosa, Director de Misiones de Carolina del Norte, la Sra. Jeannie Corzo, ministra/líder laica de Iglesia Luterana Cristo El Rey en Charlotte, Carolina del Norte y el Reverendo Terry Dorsey, pastor de Pittsboro, Carolina del Norte.

La Vela Lutheran Church welcomed a delegation from the National Lutheran Church (Churchwide): the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the weekend of November 11-13.

Una Visita Al Asilo

2011-10-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Hermanas Myriam y Mayaciel, con amiga Lupe y todas sus hijas presentan un baile tradicional mexicano en el asilo donde vive nuestro amigo, Alberto Garcia.

A musical and dance offering during a visit to a local nursing home.

Una Visita a Bog Gardens en Greensboro, NC

2011-08-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Los jovenes del "Mini-camp" visitan Bog Gardens en Greensboro. Vimos patos, cisneros, un serpiente, tortugas, mariposas y una especia muy rara de un gusano.

Children from the Mini-camp on Wednesdays through the summer visit Bog Gardens. We saw ducks, swans, turtles, butterflies a snake and a very strange catepillar.

¡Iglesia Luterana Friedens Nos Donó Una Camioneta!

2011-08-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Con tan solo 43,000 millas, esta camioneta, un 1989 Ford Econoline, fue donada por la iglesia donde la Pastora Kristina sirvio desde 2002 a 2005. Se pueden ver mas fotos en su sitio web: Friedens Lutheran Church.

With just 43,000 miles, this 1989 Ford Econoline was donated by the church in Gibsonville, NC where Pastor Kristina served from 2002 to 2005. Click on the link above to see more pictures.

Nuevas Clases de Primera Comunión y Confirmación

2011-08-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

Betsy guinandole a la camera en su Primera Comunion en Mayo.

Nuevas clases comienzan
en agosto.
Hablen al 336-202-1627
para mas informacion.

El Campamento Lutheridge ~ en las montañas

2011-06-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Alan, Jesselyn, Regina, Ricardo, Ivan, Aron y David, felices de la vida despues de una semana campamento.

Un día de celebración: el 8 de mayo

2011-06-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Kimberly intenta ser la primera que rompe la pinata.

En frente de la Pastora Kristina:

Lizzie, Betsabe, Melanie y Kimberly con sus velas de primera comunion.

Celebrando la 3ra clase de Primera Comunión

2011-06-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

2011-04-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

El 8 de mayo a la 1 de la tarde

May 8th at 1 PM

Presentamos:
Elizabether Vaquera Estrada
Kimberly Ann O'Conner Benavides
Betsabe Quiroz Rodriguez
Melanie Mayaciel Mondragon Benavides

2011-02-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

Youth enjoy their homemade Gingerbread Houses while cutting the King's Cake in celebration of the Visit of the Wise Men.

Rosca de Reyes! The King's Cake...

2011-01-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

(English follows)

Disfrutamos la tradicion de comer la rosca de reyes el 6 de enero, conmemorando la llegada de los Reyes Magos a Belen. Les toco a varias personas la figurita de un bebe, obligandoles a proveer los tamales para el 2 de febrero, dia de la Candelaria, la presentacion de Jesus y la purificacion de la Virgen. Espero que se junten con nosotros para la fiesta a las 7!

On January 6, we enjoyed the King's Cake, commemorating the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem. Several people found the little baby figure in their slice of cake, which means they have to bring the tamales to the February 2nd Candelaria party, or celebration of the Presentation of Jesus/Purification of the Virgen Mary. It will be at 7 PM. We hope you can join us!

Who We Are

2009-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

La Vela is now THREE: We are three years in the making (est. Fall 2007) and and work as two separate but collaborating organizations: La Vela Lutheran Church (this website) led by Pastor Kristina Johnson (336-202-1627) and La Vela Center for Spiritual Care. La Vela Center's telephone: 336-327-6511.

Misa en espanol a la 1 de la tarde cada domingo
todo en Espanol (se provee traducciones en ingles.)

Worship services are at 1 PM every Sunday
all in Spanish (English translation provided)

La Vela Lutheran Church is an approved mission start of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) supported by the sixteen congregations of the Northern Piedmont Conference

Building a Spanish-speaking Lutheran Christian congregation whose disciples are committed to the practice of spiritual exercises, study and sacramental worship in order to strengthen our witness of Christ’s mercy through outreach and service to others

_________________________

Obra de Dios. Nuestras manos.

God's work. Our Hands.

New Logo! What do you think?

2009-10-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Local Non-profit jumpstarts new Hispanic Bike League

2009-08-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Hispanic Bicycle League was started through a program called Changing Gears, a project of BIG (Bicycling in Greensboro).

Here a second group of bicycle recipients from the program Changing Gears (see below) gathers at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection where the new La Vela Mission is being developed.

CHANGING GEARS Leads to New Latino Bike League

2009-07-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Changing Gears is an outreach program of Bicycling In Greensboro (BIG) designed to promote bicycling among low-income participants. It is funded by the Moses Cone Wesley Long Community Health Foundation. Thanks to Changing Gears and six bicycles, La Vela Mission has launched a new Latino bicycle league. Please consider donating your used bicycles for refurbishing by our volunteers so that more people can share in this increasingly popular activity. To donate a bicycle or make a financial donation, please use the email form below or contact Pastor Kristina at 336-202-1627.

La Vela Latino Center receives major grant

2009-05-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Wheat Ridge Ministries has awarded La Vela Latino Center for Spiritual Care a $44,000 grant over three years in support of the Center's development and programing to promote spirituality as a key component of overall well-being and to build bridges of mutual appreciation and understanding between the Latino and non-Latino/U.S. cultures.

Wheat Ridge Ministries, based in Itasca, Illinois, helps seed new health and human care ministries in Lutheran congregations, agencies and other church-related not-for-profit organizations. Wheat Ridge is motivated by the expectation that through the efforts of organizations and congregations we support, people in need are touched by the love of Christ and as a result are living well in body, mind and spirit.

La Vela programs

2009-01-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

(English follows)

Un ministerio de mantas tejidas de sanación ha empezado con reuniones para cada quien que teje con agujas o un gancho o quiere aprender hacerlo cada miércoles de las 10-12 en la First Lutheran, esquina de Holden y Friendly. Para mayor información, llame a Adriana al 662-2815. Después de bendecir las mantas con una oracion corporal, se regalan a personas en crisis, en luto, sufriendo o para celebrar un reto especial como la llegada de un nuevo bebe.

¿Quieres ser parte de un grupo musical? ¿Cantas o tocas un intrumento? Habla a Victor al 908-1506.

Las clases y intercambio - inglés/español son los lunes a las 7 en la First Lutheran, esquina de Holden y Friendly. Personas de todos los niveles son bienvenidos. Se cobra $1 por persona por clase.

Se estan aceptando inscripciones para la próxima clase de candidatos para Primera Comunión. Llame al 336-209-8667.

La Tropa de Girl Scouts para Latinas jóvenes, del Kinder hasta el 12 grado, se reúne el segundo y quarto viernes de cada mes de las 4:30 hasta 6:00 PM en la First Lutheran. Entrenamiento para los líderes para una tropa de Boy Scouts para chicos está en marcha.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

La Vela has begun a Spanish-speaking ministry of healing shawls with meetings for anyone who knits or crochets or wants to learn every Wednesday from 10-12 at First Lutheran. Call Adriana for more information at 662-2815.

Interested in music? A group of LaVela musicians meets regularly to practice Christian hymns and songs in Spanish. For more information, call Victor at 908-1506.

Weekly Spanish-English Classes/Language exchange conversations take place on Mondays from 7-8:45 PM at First Lutheran Church, corner of Holden and Friendly. See below for more information on language exchange partnerships (intercambios.) There is a $3 fee per person per class.

Registration for the next class of First Communion is ongoing. Call 336-209-8667.

The Latina Girl Scout Troop for grades K-12 meets monthly every 2nd and 4th Friday evening from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. Leadership training for a Boy Scout Troop is underway.

New La Vela T-Shirt Design

2008-07-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Give us your feedback on this T-shirt Design. Cick on the picture for a closer look. Read words will be surrounded by white. The phrase on the back is a blend of Spanish and English on purpose! (Translation: "Welcome, you all!")

What is La Vela?

2008-06-30T04:38:00.001-07:00

La Vela (meaning candle in Spanish) is one ministry with two expressions. The first is a Spanish-language mission start with the goal of developing the first Lutheran Latino congregation in Guilford County and only the third in North Carolina. This is “La Iglesia Luterana La Vela” or “La Vela Lutheran Church.” The second expression - “La Vela Latino Center for Spiritual Care” - is an outreach ministry to Latinos which offers two main services: 1) pastoral care and spiritual growth opportunities and 2) hospitality to the immigrant Latino community through cross-cultural activities with non-Latinos.

Pastor Kristina Johnson, director and mission developer of La Vela provides pastoral care to Latinos in crisis or in need of care. She also recruits and trains volunteers to serve in a variety of supportive roles. La Vela builds community around language exchange partnerships, prayer and worship, both Lutheran and ecumenical. At the root of all we do is relationship around the promise and invitation that, in Jesus Christ, we are all one body. Our symbol is the candle, "la vela" because we seek to be a candle of hope in times that not infrequently seem dark and uninviting.

Language Partnerships Take Off

2008-06-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

It's all about relationship. Learning the basics of a new language. Getting acquainted with people of a different culture. Sharing your own culture. At La Vela Latino Center for Spiritual Care, our mission is to build community that transcends grammar, pronunciation and stereotypes. We bring together Spanish-speaking Latinos with English-speaking non-Latinos, neither of whom is fluent in the other language, and the fun begins. Both are teacher and student. Both bring gifts and needs. Both are transformed in the giving and receiving, as author Jean Varnier notes in his book, Spiritual Journeys:

I sense that a new spirituality is being born in the church today, flowing from the wounded hearts of the weak and broken who are crying out for friendship. This friendship is also a source of healing for those who answer their cry.

The relationships we build are the vehicles to extend another form of service: spiritual accompaniment to Latino immigrants in our area. This cadre of volunteers supports chaplain and pastor Kristina Johnson and former monk, Cesar Prada, who offer pastoral care, in Spanish, to local immigrants. The volunteers also provide transportation, childcare and assistance to Latinos who attend Monday evening exchange classes and mental health support groups run by the Mental Health Association in Greensboro.

Our language partnership exchange program takes place on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at First Lutheran Church (corner of Holden and Friendly.) We also hold potluck suppers, worship opportunities, candlelight vigils, youth ministry and cultural broker trainings.

How would YOU like to be a part of La Vela? Tell us: 336-202-1627 or contact us by email (see below.)

La Vela's office located at Resurrection, Greensboro

2008-04-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

La Vela holds classes, vigils, Bible Study and meetings at this ELCA congregation on the west end of Greensboro, near the airport. Pastor Kristina Johnson, Assistant Director Cesar Prada and Coordinator Andres Mosquera also use office space and do pastoral care and orientation sessions here.

Location: The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection is located at 6720 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410 (less than a mile west of Guilford College/New Garden Road intersection, just before new Bryan Blvd/I-40 Overpass, on the right.)

No Borders to Grief

2008-04-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Please check out the recent LA Times story Divided by Death and the Mexican Border which mirrors the experience of many, many Latino immigrants who are cut off from returning to their homeland to grieve with their families when a death occurs.

Our mission at La Vela is to provide spiritual care to people at all stages of life, including and especially around the death of loved ones. La Vela offers funerals, baptisms, special services with Holy Communion, prayer and vigil opportunities for loved ones who are far away. When the circumstance merits it, we coordinate with a person’s home church so that they receive the needed pastoral support in times of crisis.

Remember: our next training is May 31st. RSVP to lavela@earthlink.net or 336-202-1627. Thanks to the many people who signed on for the training in response to the recent article by Lorraine Ahearn in the Greensboro News & Record. (See post from 3/28, La Vela in the news…en el periódico.)