Cross-Cultural Learnings
Video shown in worship on July 28, 2024
Global Missions: December 18, 2024
LUNCH WITH PASTOR PETER CHOSEN
Church-planting director for the Evangelical Covenant Church of Kenya
January 5, 2025, after church
Hear more about the work of ECCK and about
the trip to Kenya planned for September 2025!
RSVP to globalteamsend@centcov.org
Requested donation for lunch $5 PER ADULT
• • •
CATCH UP WITH RUTHIE AND PETER DUTTON!
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Lunch after service
Ruthie and Peter continue to involve themselves with the church in Thailand. They also take short-term teams to help the growing church and would love to tell you about the opportunities!
RSVP to globalteamsend@centcov.org
Requested donation for lunch $5 PER ADULT
We asked our mission partners about Christmas celebrations where they live.
Here are some of their responses!
¡Feliz Navidad! from Gary and Mary Lou Sander in Colombia
Arriving to Colombia in 1990, we found out that Colombia begins their Christmas celebration on the evening of December 7th, when families gather to light candles on their front sidewalks to “light the way for Joseph and Mary as they travel to Bethlehem.” We now begin our Christmas celebration with our neighbors as we join them in lighting candles and enjoy sharing food items and Christmas fellowship. Each year this is a visual reminder that Jesus is our hope and the light of the world and we, his beloved children, also are the light of the world.
A special Christmas dinner—KFC?!?!
From Jim and Hydi Peterson:
Christmas was introduced to Japan by missionaries in the 1550’s, but didn’t gain widespread acceptance until after World War II and has never become a national holiday. Since the 1980’s, Christmas Eve has been considered a romantic day- much more so than Valentine’s Day in Japan and couples are seen taking selfies of themselves all over the big cities where there are Christmas trees and extravagant illumination. The most popular Christmas meal is Kentucky Fried Chicken, which must be ordered months in advance as it always sells out at KFCs across Japan. Christmas cakes are also ordered in advance at any convenience store or supermarket to eat with family and friends on Christmas Day. Despite the Christmas celebrations, very few Japanese know that it is actually a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many churches in Japan have special concerts and events in December to try to share the true meaning of Christmas!
Christmas with drums, BAGPIPES and the Grahams!
Scots are very proud of their bagpipes and bring them into every celebration. At Christmas, they run lights around them while they play. Abby and Roy are part of the Community Choir that sings carols during the festivities. They will also carol at the local care home (nursing home). Christmas Jumpers (sweaters) were worn by most people attending the celebration and every day in December. Most bus drivers wear them during work. The festivities even include public post boxes, which are often dressed up with crocheted winter scenes.
Edinburgh also hosts a Christmas Market similar to those in Germany, where these markets originated. Christmas foods include mince pies, Christmas pudding, and yule log. On Christmas Day, most will enjoy turkey and mashed potatoes with all the trimmings. Christmas crackers are also opened on Christmas Day. The crackers include silly tissue paper crowns, a little game to play, as well as a terrible joke to share. We have incorporated all of these traditions as we celebrate the season.
Click here for a video from Roy, MaryLou and Abby of a bagpipe Christmas!
Purpose
To see Jesus’ redemptive power transform us and our broken world.
Values
Following Christ, Developing Character, Connecting with Others on our Team, Honoring Others on our Team, Contributing with Excellence
Mission
We support, engage and resource our mission partners and our congregation in global mission.
MISSION PARTNERS
Jim & Hydi Peterson, Japan
Peter & Ruth Dutton, Thailand
Gary & Mary Lou Sander, Colombia
Jon & Lynda Hardin, Frontiers USA
Colleen Nahnychuk, Argentina
Karina Taracinska, Poland
Words of Hope
Kenya Partnerships
Mission Ministries, Juarez, Mexico
John & Kathy Pyrc, Imago Christi
Bill O’Byrne, Imago Christi
Roy Graham, Imago Christi
GETTING INVOLVED
We believe that there are 6 primary ways to get involved in Global Mission.
Nobody is designed for all, but all of us are designed for at least one.
Learn
There are a lot of resources to help us learn more. Try reaching out to the missionaries we support to learn more about them and contact our Global Team for more resources.
Pray
Prayer and Intercession is one of the most vital ways we can participate in God’s Global Mission. Try “adopting” one of our missionaries and commit to praying for them regularly.
Welcome
With the ease of International travel and communication, we have seen an increase in internationals visiting our country. This is a great opportunity to engage and create life-giving relationships with them. Try visiting an ethnic restaurant that you haven’t been to and get to know the staff or volunteer to host students from other countries.
Send
Giving of our resources is a very effective way of supporting ongoing missions across the world. Try supporting a missionary financially on a monthly basis or being a source of encouragement and support for them.
Mobilize
Advocating for our missionaries and encouraging others to get involved. Try getting involved in CCC’s Global Team.
Go
“Go” is the most traditional understanding of involvement in Global Mission. Try going on a short-term or mid term trip with CCC.