2012 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

May 30 - June 1, 2012

Las Vegas, NV

"Welcoming Justice: Becoming a Beloved Community"

 

Real stories of real ELCA congregations becoming "Beloved Communities"

Joseph and Mary's search for shelter

Zion Lutheran Church, Elgin, IL

On this night, the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem is cold and difficult. Joseph and a very pregnant Mary, riding on a donkey, are in search of warm place to spend the night. Innkeepers turn them away. In their weariness, Joseph and Mary trudge on until they are finally welcomed.

Re-enacting the Holy Family’s journey is a moving experience. Just ask the members of Zion Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Elgin, Ill., who brought the familiar biblical story back to life in 2010 and celebrated it again in 2011.

“Las Posadas,” the re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey, is a 400-year-old Mexican tradition being kept alive in the United States. “Las Posadas” means “the inns,” as there was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph the night Jesus was born. Solemn and deeply religious in feeling at first, the re-enactment quickly turns into a celebration of fun and laughter.

“It was an awesome experience,” says Emma St. John, a teenage member of Zion.

With scarves, gloves and hats, Emma and other faithful members of the congregation and community brave chilling December temperatures for the re-enactment.

“The fact that we invite the neighborhood to participate is also awesome,” says Emma, adding that Las Posadas is also an exciting departure from the annual “cheesy Christmas pageant.”

But according to Dianha Ortega-Ehreth, a member of Zion who organizes the observances, there are members who still want that “cheesy” Christmas pageant.

“Last year some members said they missed the traditional Christmas program. So for 2011, we’re doing both,” says Dianha, who says that making both possible will take the hands-on and financial support of members of the small congregation.

“The goal is to continue doing Las Posadas, because we want to build recognition and trust with the people in our neighborhood, as well as members of Zion,” she says. “It’s important to be a welcoming neighborhood church that understands some about people who live near us, as well as our long-time members.”

To read the conclusion of this article on the Living Lutheran website click here.

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