Church of Good Shepherd in The Boston Globe!

Exciting news! This article: Acton Church, Salvadoran Village Pray and Grow Together is live on the Boston Globe website and will be published in print on Sunday, February 23.

If you would like to help us in providing hope through education for additional students in this village, please make a check out to: Church of the Good Shepherd with “El Ocotillo” in the memo line. Mail it to: 164 Newtown Rd. Acton MA 01720. Donations are tax deductible.

Gracias!

Immigrant Sunday

Parishioners Andy Platt and Emmanuel Aronie interviewed six Good Shepherd members about their immigrant stories. They came from Palestine, England, Nigeria, India, and Cuba for reasons that ranged from seeking new opportunities to escaping persecution. The full video was played during our Immigrant Sunday service. Below you’ll find excerpts from each interview.

Amelia Wiggins, 2006 El Salvador delegate

Amelia Wiggins joined us on the 2006 delegation trip to El Salvador when she was a teenager. At the February 2nd service she shared how that journey changed the trajectory of her life. These are her inspirational words:

Good morning,

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to give thanks for the opportunity to be here today, sharing with you a few of my thoughts about a place I hold near and dear to my heart. I had the privilege of joining the 2006 delegation to El Salvador as a 15 year old high school student. At this time, I didn’t know El Salvador was a country, or exactly where it was located geographically, but I knew it was farther than I had ever traveled before. The idea of exploring a new place, and experiencing how other people lived intrigued me. My family questioned my interest in traveling so far with a group of people I barely knew, but as it turns out, I would one day call this place home, and I would cherish the friendships made during that week in El Salvador.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the delegation itineraries, the first several days are spent in and around the capital, San Salvador, learning the history and the political, economic, and social issues facing the country. After this brief introduction to the country and culture, the delegation embarks on a journey to live in community with El Ocotillo. With a better understanding of the people and place we are visiting, spending time with the sister community becomes a meaningful culmination of the trip. Despite the struggles the community has faced in the past, and continues to work through today, they welcome the delegation with a joyful exuberance and make incredible efforts to make us feel at home and to provide us with delicious home cooked meals.

One memory that has always stood out to me was the family I stayed with while in the community. The family chose to sleep together in one room, in one bed, which allowed myself and the two other delegates staying there, to have our own rooms and beds. I was awestruck with such an extraordinary gesture of hospitality, one which I had never experienced back home even with my closest friends, let alone with people I had never met. The generosity I experienced in this tiny village is something I’ll never forget, and I continuously strive to embody the graciousness with which I was received in El Ocotillo.

While living in community with El Ocotillo, we listened to remarkable and sometimes heart-wrenching stories, causing a plethora of emotions to build up in each of us. The willingness these speakers had to express their vulnerability and their deepest concerns about the past and the present was admirable. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back, I realize opening up and sharing such personal stories requires an immense amount of courage. This was exemplified one chilly evening in the community, as Samuel recounted tales of war, hopes for the future, and disappointments with present day challenges. He fought valiantly for a better future for his children only to witness next to no change decades later. We bore witness to a man’s innermost concerns, and it left us each wiping away silent tears. Samuel is no longer with us, but through his story and his strength to share it, he and his struggles became a part of everyone who was there that night. That is the power of solidarity: transforming another’s experience into one we can relate to and empathize with on a deep and personal level.

The community visit not only helped me understand the true meaning of generosity and courage, it gave me insight about an incredible gift I possess that I was previously unaware of. I realized that it doesn’t matter what you have or what you think you may lack, there is one thing you can always share with others: your time. Time is our most valuable commodity, and it is free to give and to share. It can't send students to college, nor can it rebuild a dilapidated home, but it can build a sense of comfort, security, friendship, and family. As we listen to another’s story, struggle, or celebration, we make an effort to understand their experience; we give them the space to express themselves, and by doing so, we demonstrate our concern and care for that person’s well-being.

Prior to joining the delegation, I didn’t have the faintest idea about what solidarity was, and I still struggle with a succinct definition of it, and I believe that to be caused by its intricacy. For me, solidarity is active engagement with a community; taking on their struggles and joys as your own, forming long-term relationships that lessen the physical and emotional distance between one another, that draw us together in unity. This is at least as important as, or in my opinion, much more significant than the act of charitable contributions. Funding for projects such as building new homes, sending students to school, or obtaining life-saving medication is a necessity, however, these objectives fall into the category of material needs... but what about spiritual and emotional needs? Solidarity bridges the gap between these two facets of service, making the former more meaningful, and the best way to understand the tremendous impact it has on all involved is to experience it first hand.

The 2006 delegation not only broadened my understanding of service, solidarity, generosity, and the power of the gift of time; it impacted my future in tangible ways. Inspired with a newfound passion for Latin America, the Spanish language, and a desire to educate myself about a world I knew little about, I set forth on a journey that would ultimately bring me back to El Salvador.

Following the delegation, I pursued my high school Spanish classes with a new vigor, and after graduation, I attended college and earned a degree in Global Studies and Anthropology with a focus on Latin America. Upon college graduation, I desperately wanted to spend significant time volunteering overseas. I explored a variety of options, including the Peace Corps and teaching English, but after thorough research, I realized I didn’t feel called to these opportunities.

My stroke of luck came in the form of a friendship that began in 2006, and that continues to be important in my life today. When they discovered I was looking for a volunteer opportunity, they emailed me a link to an NGO in El Salvador. The organization was looking for a volunteer to support their delegations and international communications. Perfect! I thought. This would be similar to what I experienced in high school, and would not only allow me to delve deeper into those experiences, it would allow me to give back to a community and a place that had already given me so much. Shortly after reviewing the details of the position, I applied, and was fortunate they accepted my application and invited me to come in December 2013. What was meant to be a one year commitment quickly turned into two, and I likely wouldn’t have left if it weren’t for a burden most people my age are no stranger to: student loan.

My two years in El Salvador flew by as I learned a fair amount about the country, the communities, and the visiting delegations. What truly touched my soul during this time was sharing a place so special to me with others, and witnessing individuals’ discovery of solidarity. While I thoroughly and utterly enjoyed my work, I have to admit, there was a time or two I felt exhausted and it was difficult translating conversation after conversation, especially those bearing a heavy emotional weight. However, the pure and undivided attention the delegations gave to the speakers, and the brilliant questions they asked always motivated me to continue. The powerful gift of one’s time and attention was consistently and beautifully illustrated by the visiting delegations and their respect for the speaker. In those moments, I felt as though I was a conduit through which the stories of our Salvadoran brothers and sisters flowed. What an incredible honor and privilege it was to serve a community in that capacity.

Looking back, it's amazing to see where a 10 day delegation has taken me over the years. When I was asked to speak for today’s services, the answer was an obvious yes. After all, it is thanks to this church, the welcoming fellowship, and the beautiful sister relationship you have built with El Ocotillo, that I discovered one of my life's greatest passions, and I humbly and graciously thank you all for that incredible opportunity.

I invite you to challenge yourself and consider joining a future delegation to El Salvador. Perhaps it won’t change your future in the way it did mine, but I can promise it will leave a lasting impact on your heart, and to experience solidarity with a sister community will enhance your understanding of service to others.

Thank You.

Viviana Cordero Garcia, Esperanza Academy

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be here this morning. I’m mindful of how sacred this time in the week is to everyone. Sunday is a time that we come together as a community, a time of rest, a time of family, a time of harmony, and most importantly a time of love. I am honored that you have allowed me into this beautiful space with you on this Sunday morning. My name is Viviana Cordero Garcia, and I am the Director of Graduate Support Program at Esperanza Academy, a tuition-free, independent middle school for girls in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I want to thank this congregation for its support of our students, our school, and our mission. Thank you so much for welcoming me to the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Today, I am well into my second year at Esperanza Academy and my first year as Director of the Graduate Support Program, and both as a human being in this world and an educational professional, it’s been a transformative time in my life. The stories I share today are connected to themes of service, love, community, and belonging… all of which are embedded in my personal journey in education. Before I tell you about our Esperanza community, our graduates, and our philosophy in Graduate Support, I want to share a little bit of my story with you.

I was a toddler when my mother and I arrived in New York City. Although most of our family lived in Ecuador, my mother knew that the American dream was one that she had to pursue for herself but mostly for me. We lived in various Queens communities before settling in Jackson Heights, a vibrant immigrant city much like Lawrence. We spoke little English but figured it all out together. As a single parent, my mother worked multiple jobs but always found time to make dinner, eat with me, and teach me to pray at night. My mother worked hard to learn everything she could about how to raise a young woman in the city, raise herself, and continue to support her 8 siblings even from countries apart. When my uncles, aunts, and other relatives began to immigrate to New York, she welcomed them, happily opened the doors of our one-bedroom apartment, fed, facilitated job searches, and did it all with such grace and love. From an early age, I learned what it meant to give, to serve others, and do good work that is not just for my own benefit but for the benefit of others.

My mother instilled in me values such as learning, service, kindness, determination, and empathy. She exemplified these same values countless times and when I embarked on my college journey, these values helped me stay resilient. Shortly after earning my bachelor’s degree in 2009 from a small private liberal art’s institution, I learned that my college experience and challenges were not unique. My experiences as an Ecuadorian immigrant, an English-language learner, first-generation college student from a low-income background and a single-parent household, led me on the path to becoming an educator.

After college, I was provided opportunities to work at educational nonprofits and grassroots organizations. In my mid-20s, I found myself again reflecting on the importance of community and service. My community helped me to identify my gifts and passions as I worked directly with youth. My identities helped me relate to others and build relationships, and I began to trust that God had given me unique gifts, a passion for education and equity, and the opportunities and communities to exercise these gifts.

The more work I did with underrepresented youth across the country, the more I felt I needed to grow my knowledge in the education field. Through the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers, I received a fellowship opportunity that led me to earning my Master’s in Higher Education at a large research institution. I was able to develop my facilitation skills and knowledge in education systems. My previous work in New York City informed my studies of equity and inclusion and systems of oppression in graduate school. Throughout those two years, I grew more aware of and inspired by our power, strength, and resilience to create change by working toward a vision of justice.

My move to Lawrence and arrival at Esperanza marked the beginning of a beautiful journey for me. I began to see clearly that my educational journey and life experiences have allowed me to live out my call to love in every sphere of my life… This was my vocation.

At Esperanza Academy, my role allows me to work with Black and Brown girls from the time they enter middle school to when they are considering college and career opportunities after completing post-secondary programs. Together we discuss best-fit schools, how to navigate school resources in high school and beyond, their roles in their families, complex familial pressures, attending school as a first-generation student, and what it means to be comfortable in their own skin. At Esperanza, we think critically with students, faculty and staff, and community partners about the inequitable social patterns and institutions around us, analyze forms of oppression, practice restorative justice, and then prepare to build community to make our relationships stronger and spaces more just.

Esperanza is a community I am proud to be a part of because I am not doing this work alone- and we know social justice work is collaborative at its core. Our team believes that girls from Lawrence deserve a good education, should feel empowered and be provided the necessary tools to go into the world to be themselves, happy, and successful. This past year, I witnessed our students being resilient, taking risks, growing, and returning to Esperanza to pay it forward. The following stories are just a few of the many we are proud.

• Sarah, a recipient of a full tuition scholarship at Brooks School, has maintained a high GPA and joined the volleyball team during her first semester of high school. She has just discovered crew and cannot wait to try out for the team this spring.

• Aleene, another incredible young woman, was awarded a scholarship to attend Waring School, a French immersion independent school. She is already planning her trip to France where she will get to practice her French speaking skills for the four weeks she is there.

• Keahilani joined the Sparhawk community as a tenth grader this year and has impressed the faculty and staff there with her ability to organize. She leads community service projects every month and has created the school’s first dance team. 14 peers have joined the team already.

• Katherine is in her final year at Holderness School and worked hard to complete the long college application process earlier than most this past fall. She has already received acceptances to St. John’s University, Fordham University, Clark University, and a couple of the University of Massachusetts schools.

• Natalie, who is in her third year at Centre college on a full tuition Posse scholarship, is living and studying in Japan this semester. She’s preparing to pursue a law degree after college and is excited to be learning how laws are created and governments work in other countries. She’s shared that Esperanza taught her to take advantage of all opportunities and get out of her comfort zone. Nat has not left Japan yet and is already planning on returning after college.

• Nurys is graduating from the College of Holy Cross with honors this year. During her winter break she applied to and was offered a job again at the Lawrence Mayor’s office as an aid. She serves as a community liaison and feels blessed to be able to use her bilingual skills to give back to the Lawrence community.

Our graduates are out in the world being rock stars.

In many ways, my role as Director of Graduate Support is my best one yet. I am able to provide support AND celebrate our girls for their community cultural wealth. Through our Graduate Support Program’s 12-year commitment to all girls, my team and I provide socio-emotional and academic support for all our students and graduates. This is a big responsibility and one I do not take lightly. I am motivated to continue this work by Sarah, Aleene, Keahilani, Natalie, Katherine, Nurys, and the other 154 graduates and their families.

I am reminded that God places us in particular communities of believers. That He expects us to live interdependently, so those who benefit from our vocational living also invest in our vocational development with their wisdom and affirmation. I realize that Esperanza girls benefit from my vocational living and also recognize that they make up one of my communities of believers. They constantly provide me with the wisdom and affirmation I need to do this labor of love.

My commitment to creating more inclusive spaces and more positive student experiences has been strengthened throughout these two years at Esperanza. It has been strengthened through every conversation, call, text, and hug from graduates, through my relationships with community members and supporters of Esperanza, and through my experience of living and working in Lawrence, a place that, much like my beautiful Jackson Heights in Queens, NY, is full of immigrants, light, resilience, and hope. There is truly nothing more beautiful than being part of a community that perseveres.

As I think about our mission at Esperanza, our students, our families and our work in Graduate Support, I am reflecting on these words from first John chapter 3 verse 18. I invite you to reflect with me.

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Thank you very much.

Climate Solutions Speaker Series presents:

Climate Solutions Speaker Series presents:

Varshini Prakash

Co-founder & Executive Director

Sunrise Movement

7:30 pm Tuesday, January 21

The Willard Elementary School

185 Powder Mill Road Concord

MLK Breakfast

Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, founder and preacher of New Roots AME Church, Boston, is the featured speaker.  Breakfast begins at 8:30 am. Event is free but donations are encouraged. Don't miss this special community event. 

Save the Date - February 1

Join the Good Shepherd community. Eat our favorite Salvadoran food - Pupusas!! Support the El Salvador scholarship fund with a free will offering and view a slideshow of our trips to beautiful El Ocotillo. Details to follow!

All are welcome at the Rectory on Sunday January 12

You are cordially invited to drop by the Rectory for 

John and Pastor Melissa Buono's 

Epiphany Open House

Sunday, January 12 between 3:00 and 5:30 pm

Please bring a wee bite of something sweet or savory to share.

Winter Clothing for San Lucas Church

On December 18th we delivered over 50 bags of winter clothing to San Lucas Episcopal Church in Chelsea. Fr. Edgar Gutierrez was delighted and sends heartfelt thanks from his congregation for responding to this important need.

Sunday Adult Formation

Adult Formation class will start again on Sunday January 12.  We will be discussing the chapter on Imagination Prayer and looking at engaging Ignatius' five senses of the Imagination.