Building Bridges: Churches Unite Across Cultures for Service and Connection

One of the Vision to Action Funding priorities is to build bridges across languages and cultures. The pre-packaged "Building Bridges" grant is doing just that at Atonement Lutheran in Sebring where five diverse churches, represented by five leaders each, are gathering for dinner, connection and service.

Atonement V2A project leader Deacon Diane Marten reports: "We came together across denominational and language/cultural lines to listen to each other. We asked about the concerns and needs in our own neighborhoods, and about how we could share our resources to make a difference. We prayed together, in two languages, asking God to bless our work and our relationships."

The five congregations are using the funds to feed those most vulnerable in their respective communities, provide clean clothes and hygiene kits, and even offer haircuts while taking time to listen and pray with others.

Two rules guide this effort:

1. No church may do their service alone—each must partner with a Building Bridges congregation.
2. All commit to quarterly potlucks and joint worship to sustain and support their shared work.

Volunteers from Atonement are already collaborating with Iglesia Rey Soberano to pack Thanksgiving baskets. El Dios de Misericordia is sending bilingual volunteers to Emmanuel UCC’s food bank to assist with translation and help people feel welcome. Deacon Marten said, "Our excitement is growing, and we are just getting started!"