On November 15 the United Church community gathered for Sharing Across Cultures. The event celebrated diversity, learning and connection. People came together to honor many cultures and share in meaningful experiences.
Those who attended describe a space filled with music, presentations and shared meals. Throughout the day participants were invited to engage with traditions and experiences that reflected the diversity of the community. The event created an opportunity not only to celebrate difference, but also to better understand and appreciate one anther’s differences.
Reflection by participant, Hannah Yang :
On November 15, people across our United Church family gathered and celebrated different cultures within our community. It was the most fun filled day with presentations, music and definitely food. One of the participants, Sergio, wrote a beautiful prayer thanking God for our diversity and asking that this event “build bridges of understanding, open hearts to friendship, and inspire us all to live in harmony”.
People say that sharing our differences doesn’t necessarily lose our own culture or identity but rather expands it into something richer and more meaningful. For instance let’s imagine that our differences are puzzle pieces. In order for us to see the bigger picture we have to individually look at ourselves and see how we fit in with the world and each other. Each individual’s presence at the event perfectly complimented another person’s presence and when we work together we are this beautiful masterpiece created by God.
The Sharing Across Cultures event was officially opened with an Ojibway drum song by Sam Jackson
The Ojibway drum song was followed with a prayer by Damber in Nepali
Indigenous Stereotypes presentation by Knowledge Keeper Joe Thompson
Jayden teaching how to use chopsticks
Making Filipino Soup with Mayon
Making Aloo Pie with Elijah
Pastor Jeff teaching a song followed by a Spiritual Reflection
Crafting effigies, with a twist. Creating something from nature that represents oneself
Learning a Filipino Song from Hannah C.
Participants took part in teachings, dances, songs, and hands-on cultural experiences throughout the event. As the gathering came to a close, a benediction written by Sergio sent people out with a message of unity and hope:
May the Spirit of Unity and Friendship go with us as we leave this gathering. May the stories we heard and the kindness we shared inspire us to build bridges.
Without the following this event would not have been possible.
Thanks to the young people who planned and led this event with dedication and creativity: Sabry Abodigin, Yuzi Xiao, Jayden Schettler, Anderson Green, Elijah Kanhai, and Mayon Marcelino. Deep appreciation is also extended to those who supported the planning team through their leadership, teachings, and workshops, including Pastor Jeff Gatdula, Knowledge Keeper Joe Thompson, Powwow dancer Sam Jackson, Filipino song teacher Hannah Cachero, and cooking workshop facilitators Buxin Xiao, Jingli (Lily) Huang, Cheryl Alexander, and Cheyla Ponace. We are grateful to Broadway Disciples United Church for hosting the event and to Prairie to Pine Region for providing staff support and funding that helped bring this gathering to life.
