Tag: Latino Ministry

What’s Next?

Graduation is now a memory. As you know, on Sunday, May 14, my family and I had a wonderful weekend. My wife even took a day off of work for the first time to extend our stay in Dubuque. On Friday, we visited the aquarium before heading to the seminary. My daughters, Marta and Luisa, were very surprised when they saw Wartburg for the first time. Luisa said this, “Did Daddy go to Harry Potter’s school?” Having toured the building a bit, Luisa wanted to visit the seminary playground. Marta and I joined the cricket game for faculty, students and their families. Marta loved cricket and she’s ready to bring it to Ascension.

Edwin graduating from seminary,
May 2023

Saturday was a day of much practice and celebration. My daughters were part of the baccalaureate procession, so even they had to attend practice. That evening we all attended the banquet where families and friends participated and witnessed the wonderful stories of this brilliant Christian community called Wartburg Theological Seminary.

After four years of waiting — Sunday — graduation day arrived, but the day did not start the way I wanted it to start. I realized that morning that in my excitement I had never written the prayers of the people to send to Pastor Jay, who was subbing for me at Ascension. I stayed in the hotel room, but in my excitement, it took me longer to write the prayers than usual. Finally, my parents-in-law offered to drive to campus with our daughters to save us seats. They got there just in time to get the last seats in the last row! Finally, the prayers were finished, I emailed them to Pastor Tony. My wife and I arrived at seminary and we were able to walk in one minute before the procession started.

In the afternoon, we had the graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, I was flooded with memories. Remembering my past as a child in my country El Salvador, memories of my time working with the Iglesia Luterana Salvadareña, thought of the ever-present support of the Ascension community, and reflections of all the things my family had to bear due to my absence and my stress. At last the diploma was placed in my hands. The first thing I did was check my name. It was misspelled in the program, so I was worried, but they got it right where it matters — my diploma was written correctly.

In the month of May, I received an invitation from the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Service of the ELCA to participate in a workshop in Mexico from June 5 to June 9. The workshop consists of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Processes for companions in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This will be my first learning experience in this type of event.

The continuous life of learning and discernment continues. A cycle has ended. Now, I’m waiting for what the Holy Spirit says about the next journey he has prepared for me, my wife and my daughters. Psalm 32.8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Edwin Aparicio, Spanish-language minister

Looking Back, Looking Forward

I find myself struggling with trying to decide what to write about this month. Do I write about the exciting aspects of ministry this past December? We had our first early morning celebration of the annunciation. And when I say early morning, I mean 5:30 am worship on a Monday morning. And not just any Monday morning, but the Monday after the Advent concert when nearly all of our families had already been at church both Saturday night and all morning Sunday. We were unsure what to expect, but we had a full sanctuary, including several visitors. We enjoyed worship led by mariachi musicians who sang the traditional songs of the Festival of Guadalupe and shared breakfast together at the end of worship.

Or what about Las Posadas? It was our fourth year hosting this living advent devotion and celebration and it was bigger and better than ever, even in the cold. We were excited this year to open the children’s pageant to all of Ascension’s children, so we were led by a multicultural parade of Bible characters, sheep, donkeys, and cows. We needed two piñatas for all of the fun! It was a fun night of fellowship between native English speakers and native Spanish speakers, Ascension members and many visitors.

Personally, I finished my seventh semester of seminary and was approved for ordination. There is so much I could write about what it is like to be this close to the end of school!

Perhaps it would be better for me to write a more forward looking article on all of the exciting things to come. On January 3, I will be leaving for sixteen days for a seminary course in Israel. For reasons that I don’t understand, according to seminary I have not had any cross-cultural experiences. While I feel like the work I have been doing as a Salvadoran immigrant in a US seminary should have counted as my cross-cultural experience, I won’t complain too much if it means I “must” go to Israel with experts on the area. I am both excited and nervous about this opportunity.

Maybe this is an opportunity to tell you about our next Holy Day we will be observing.

Los Reyes Magos

The Three Kings will be arriving at Ascension on Sunday, January 8 at 10:45 am. We will welcome them with a potluck lunch after worship. Special music guests, Puerto Rican Band Cache MKE will provide music for worship and lunch.

In several Spanish speaking countries, this is the day children receive their gifts, just like baby Jesus did. The Magi are the ones that bring presents, not Santa. In keeping with the tradition of exchanging gifts on Three Kings Day, there will be a $5 secret Santa gift exchange at lunch. You are invited to bring a gift that matches your category (Girl, Boy, Man, Woman) and participate.

Lunch will include a traditional rosca. If you’ve never eaten a rosca before, it includes a surprising ingredient, plastic baby Jesus. Find out what it means to receive the Baby Jesus in your rosca!

There is so much to celebrate here at Ascension, whether we are celebrating what just happened or looking forward to what is on its way. May you find the moments in your own life to enjoy the memories of the good times of the year that has just ended, or happiness in looking forward to what is to come.

Edwin Aparicio, Pastoral Intern

Las Posadas Latino Ministry Latino Ministry activities Los Reyes Magos Serminary

Church Together

And my internship is over!!! It seems like yesterday I started my eighteen month internship. During this period, I had the opportunity to learn new things in our multicultural context here at Ascension. I am grateful for the support with both the English ministry and Latino ministry; with the English community, for having opened their doors to me and listening to my preaching, and the Latino community for having been patient during my absences from worship services. These words sound as if this type of experience will not be repeated, but it is not like that, as you heard in my last sermon Pastor Chris told me that, “It was not my last preaching.” Sorry. You will have to continue to struggle listening to the Spanglish sermons.

I am sure that this post-intern period will bring new experiences in my journey of formation and discernment. Within these new experiences last month, I had the opportunity to attend a training for mission developers of the ELCA program REDIL Ecumenical Network for the Development of Latino Churches. The training consisted of bringing together leaders from all over the country to share their experiences with each other, and thus learn from each other.

One of the learnings that caught my attention was the way in which most of the missions are working. In all of the other congregations that were represented there that day, the Latino congregations were operating as separate congregations from the English-speaking congregations. From what I experienced that day, Ascension is pioneering a new type of bicultural ministry in a way that is unique in the ELCA. Most of our meeting time was spent talking about topics like collecting enough money in their offering to pay rent to the English-speaking congregations. Other churches talked about the lack of voice in the direction of their church, no representatives in council or otherwise.

After returning from this event, I began to work with the mariachi band Voces de America. They were so thrilled to be asked back to our event. They provide the music for a variety of Las Posadas events around the Milwaukee area and they told me that Ascension is their favorite due to the participation of so many people from the church. May we continue to be brave as we find new paths to being the body of Christ together.

Edwin Aparicio, Spanish Language Minister

Latino Ministry Mission Outreach pastoral intern seminary serve

The Beginning of the End

I started seminary knowing that I would be away from home for the first week of each semester for prolog week. My first year of seminary was also Tony’s last, so we were on campus together at the start of both semesters. The next year-and-a-half of prolog weeks were entirely virtual due to the pandemic, followed by an optional face to face in January of 2022. With the hours my wife was working and a difficult holiday season, I was happy for the opportunity to participate in prolog week from home. This September, it was time for me to go back to campus. It felt like it was my third prolog week and not my seventh one. In El Salvador, I commuted to and from university for my undergraduate degree. This was the first time in my life for me to go on to campus and stay there without anyone looking out for me. It felt like I was achieving a milestone in life, even if it was twenty years after most people in the US have that experience.

At the same time, it became very real that I was in my last year of school. In addition to the course work, a whole new list of papers and projects has been added to my plate as I work through the synod’s candidacy process to be approved as a potential candidate for a pastoral position. So if I seem a little jittery, no need to worry – it’s just a sign of too much coffee.

Coming to my final year also brings about the uncertainty of what happens next. My back has started to let me know that my years as a landscaper are coming to an end. What will my next chapter look like? I do not know. Is it back to school for a new career? I do not know. Does it mean moving? I do not know. Will there be enough opportunities here in the Milwaukee area? I do not know. What I know and I believe is God’s promise that he will always guide us on our journey in life, even when there are more questions than answers.

Although my anxiety is great, it does not compare to the anxiety that many of you and those around you are suffering. People of God, we all need to remember that God is dwelling and accompanying us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Edwin Aparicio, Pastoral Intern

Latino Ministry pastoral intern seminary

A Month of New Learning

I am three months away from finishing my internship serving both the English and Spanish speaking communities at Ascension. There has been a lot of learning and a lot of experiences! Before beginning these 18 months of pastoral internship, I spoke with Pastor Tony and Pastor Chris about how important it was for me to have more participation in the ministry in English. Both pastors have shown me their collaboration and have opened spaces for me to gain confidence through practice.

July was a month filled with much learning — Family fun night, celebration of a quinceañera, serving in two services in English, covering for a Latino pastor from another church who was on vacation, preparing and officiating my first funeral in Spanish, and singing the Kyrie in English for the first time.

Family Fun Night: It was wonderful to see people from the English ministry and the Spanish ministry play together. What happened to the language barrier? Let me tell you that language was not a barrier. We all enjoyed and lived as one family.

Singing: Several months ago I had a conversation with Vicki Taylor. I told her that I wanted to learn to sing in English and Spanish. Even though the music director doesn’t know Spanish, she is doing her best teaching me once a week to sing the Kyrie in both languages. And as you have been able to see, this month I was finally able to achieve my goal of singing the Kyrie in both languages. I was far more nervous the first time I had to sing in Spanish. Hopefully you couldn’t see my knees shaking the first time!

Leading the services in English: Four months ago Pastor Tony told me: “Edwin, in July, I have a family vacation. I will not be in the church one weekend. I am going to find a pastor to come and officiate the services that Sunday, and you can help him in the 8:30 a.m. service.” My response was: “No Pastor Tony, I am in a learning process. This is a great opportunity for me. You do not need to find another pastor, I will officiate both services in English. And I will look for a substitute for the service in Spanish.” Well, let me tell you that the anxiety in me was present during both services, however God through the Holy Spirit helped me control the anxiety. I humbly admit that I need to improve to lead the service in English, but I know these first steps are part of a long journey of learning.

Substitute Pastor at Faith /Santa Fe in Milwaukee: For the first time I had the opportunity to lead a Latino Sunday service at a different congregation in the US. The congregation and I learned a lot. They had the opportunity to experience an Ascension-Waukesha style service incorporating a message for children, not just the adults. I learned that Sunday services do not start at the time they are scheduled; the service was scheduled at 12 p.m., but we finally started at 12:30 p.m. A little different compared to Waukesha! Here the service starts at 10 a.m. with people or without people; by the time of the children’s sermon, we usually have a full sanctuary. However, for me it is important to experience what the services of other Latino ministries of the synod are like.

Quinceañera: I had the opportunity to officiate a quinceañera celebration for a family at Faith / Santa Fe. In the meeting with the family for the preparations, it was agreed that the service would start at 3 p.m. with quinceañera or without quinceañera (the girl being celebrated). One day before the celebration, the musicians and the president of the council told me: “Let’s hope we start on time.” The wonderful thing was that we managed to start the service at 3 p.m. Both sides learned!

My first funeral: The Sunday that I was serving at Faith / Santa Fe, after the service, a family approached me to ask if I could officiate at their funeral service on Tuesday of that same week. I had originally been asked to cover for the Sunday service, then they added the quinceañera. No one had mentioned a funeral and now I had just one day to make plans. That Sunday afternoon I received the authorization from the bishop, and on Monday morning I had the meeting with the family to plan the service and for the burial.

July was a month full of many experiences inside and outside the community. As people of God, we just have to be attentive to every detail in our lives to see the new things that the Lord wants us to know.

I will instruct you and teach you the way to go, I will advise you and I will keep my eyes on you.
Psalm 32.8

Edwin Aparicio, Spanish Language Minister

Internship Latino Ministry pastoral intern

Facing Our Fears and Grief

What a way to start summer 2022! Adventure Camp with the confirmation youth and Latino Ministries Camp with the Spanish-speaking families of the Greater Milwaukee Synod and the South Central Synod all in the same week. In both activities it was my first participation with this type of ministry.

Adventure camp was a wonderful experience surrounded by many activities next to the wonderful natural resources that God has given us. I had the opportunity to live and interact with young people that I didn’t have the opportunity to connect with during our confirmation classes. I was able to face my fear of heights during the rock climbing and zip line. If the confirmation students experiences were similar to mine, their parents will be happy to know that there was a lot of prayer at this church camp in those moments.

There was a lot of joy and a lot of energy, but my time at the lake and at the Kalahari were also filled with a lot of difficult moments and spiritual meditation. During the time at the lake my mind was thinking about my nephew Fabricio and wondering what he was feeling in those last moments of his life in the lake at Adventure Camp. Seeing the young people enjoying the Lily Pad that Pastor Tony and Pastor Chris rented and watching everyone’s joy motivated me to join them. I tried to enjoy the moment, but at the same time I had my eyes on all of them, mainly the two young men from the Latino Ministry who did not know how to swim.

Entering the Kalahari was another big moment. The day the tragedy happened, my wife and daughters and I were at the Kalahari. We were in the lobby outside of the water park when we received the news of Fabricio’s death. I told my wife we would never step foot in the Kalahari again, yet here I was. Let me be honest. When we were about to enter the Kalahari the only thing I said was “God, please I don’t want to receive any more bad news in this place.” We had only been inside for 10 minutes when suddenly I saw three missed calls from my brother Carlos and three calls from my dad. My anxiety went through the roof for a few minutes. The wonderful thing was that the calls weren’t about bad news, just mundane ordinary things.

My first experience in the camp with the young people has been very helpful for me personally because it has allowed me to face fear and uncertainty in those moments and places where I have had only bad experiences. It is difficult to face those bad memories, but it is important that we remember that the only way to get out of that cycle of fear is to walk through it. This is how we become more resilient people, facing difficult and even frightening situations. When we are walking through those moments of fear and grief, we do not walk alone. God walks alongside us.

Another activity in June was the family gathering held by all the Latino ministries of the Milwaukee Synod and the South Central Synod of Wisconsin. We had the presence of five Latino congregations. Families had the opportunity to meet and interact with other ministries in the area. They are even asking us when we will have our next family retreat. This retreat had been planned since 2019, but over the years it had been cancelled over and over again due to covid. The fact that families are asking for a family retreat in 2023 is a sign that there is a desire for interaction with other ministries. We will continue working so that our Latino ministry has more interaction activities within our Church and outside of it.

May you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit walking alongside you as you face your fears and moments of sadness. And may those moments be few and far between.

Edwin Aparicio, Spanish Language Minister

Adventure Camp Grief Support JOLT Latino Ministry

Family Fun Night July 8

The Latino Ministry teens and young adults invite you to join them for a night of food and fun on Friday, July 8. A food truck will be available at 6 p.m. with games and activities to follow from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event will build community between our Spanish- and English-speaking members and friends and will give our young people a chance to develop leadership skills. Sign-up online to donate food or share your games.

family fun game night Latino Ministry

A Time for Rest

My third year in seminary is over! I didn’t quit yet! When I started my first semester in 2019, I had the opportunity to talk to many students from different years. Some of them were in their third and fourth year, when I listened to them the only thing that came to mind was, when will I be in that place? Will I hold on to be there or will I throw in the towel? The surprising thing is that it’s been six semesters and I still have the towel in my hands.

It seems unbelievable, but I am just two semesters away from completing a journey full of much learning, service and challenges for me and my family. While I wait to start my final year, I want to enjoy the summer. The time to kick back and enjoy the outdoors has come, but so has the time to get back to work on landscaping. I intend to work as a landscaper Thursday-Friday and maybe some Saturdays if necessary. Sunday – Wednesday I will work in the church.

I know that my responsibilities at church will also change as Pastor Chris goes on his sabbatical. I am both excited and nervous about the opportunity to take a bigger role in the English-language ministries at Ascension over the summer. Ironically, one of things I need to do in my final year is to take part in a seminary approved cross-cultural opportunity. If only they could see the cross-cultural work I do at Ascension every day! Latino ministries are a blend of Salvadoran, Mexican, Columbia, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican cultures. My internship and now Pastor Chris’ sabbatical is a whole new level of cross-cultural experience in ministry.

This summer, I will also read some theology books and plan some bible studies for the Latino Ministry. I will try to do these things without drinking large quantities of coffee the way I do during the school year. I will also continue to plan activities for our Spanish-speaking youth.

When reading this article and seeing all of my summer plans, you are probably wondering where my rest will be? It will be a challenge, but it is important for me to make time to spend with my wife and with my family.

Rest is important for all of us, not just pastors and seminarians or teachers and students. May the Holy Spirt watch over all of us this summer and help each and everyone of you to find time to enjoy time with friends and family.

Let us try, then, to enter into that rest, so that no one falls into such an example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4.11)

Edwin Aparicio, Pastoral Intern

Latino Ministry pastoral intern seminary Summer rest

In Search of Sanctuary

As an immigrant learning English, the word sanctuary confused me at first. I saw it at church. I saw it when hiking. I saw it in news about immigration. What in the world was the meaning of this word that it was being used in such different settings? Now of course I know that it means a place of safety and protection from the dangers of the outside. And after everything we have been through in the past couple of years, we all need a sanctuary more than ever.

We were so excited to be back in our sanctuary for Holy Week for normal worship this year. Holy Week services in 2020 were all online and the alfombra was on my home driveway on a cold and rainy Good Friday. Last year we were at least back in person, but there was no singing and communion was at the door as everyone exited the building. We were making big plans. And then we received the exciting and disappointing news that the renovations of the Spanish Sanctuary were going to be taking place over Lent and Holy Week. We would be worshipping in the Hearth Room for the rest of Lent and possibly all of Holy Week. So our plans changed. We slashed the number of alfombras we were planning. We uninvited the guest musicians for Easter Sunday since it was unknown where Easter worship would be. If we were still in the Hearth Room, there would barely be room for the piano. There definitely wouldn’t be room for extra musicians.

When we first started down this road, we were so excited about the project that the disappointments weren’t that big of a deal. But by the time Palm Sunday arrived, it was our third week in the Hearth Room. The energy level of worship was lagging regardless of my energy level. We decided to avoid publicizing our Holy Week worship schedule because we were afraid if visitors came, they would never come back again.

But at the same time, as we were having our own little moment of feeling sorry for ourselves, there were stories of worship in bombed buildings and in subway stations in Ukraine. We were seeing stories of drought and locusts in Tanzania. Yet worship continued. Violence and the government reaction was taking over life in El Salvador, yet worship continued. The story of Jesus’s death and resurrection always overcomes the troubles of this world. If worship was continuing in these terrible circumstances, surely we can do Holy Week in the Hearth Room.

And then we had our own little miracle, and we were able to get into the sanctuary in time for Maundy Thursday. We had a place for the alfombra procession for Good Friday. It was still under construction, but we were energized. And in spite of our efforts to try and hide our worship schedule from visitors, we had over 20 visitors for Easter morning. We had to bring in extra chairs and run additional bulletins. It was a full worship service filled with singing and shouts of resurrection joy. ¡Él ha resucitado!

Edwin Aparicio, Pastoral Intern, Spanish-Language Minister

Easter Latino Ministry Palm Sunday sanctuary