North Valley Episcopal Ministry (NVEM) develops program to serve Latino families

The North Valley Episcopal Ministry (NVEM) is developing a program to serve Latino families in Northern California, for the purpose of spiritual and social care.

Led by The Rev. Maryly Adair, Regional Missioner of NVEM., and Deacon Olga Barrera, from the Diocese of Honduras, NVEM. has been networking with local agencies that serve the Latino community, in order to establish a Hispanic Episcopal ministry not currently available in the North State.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity to grow as a church, it also serves to carry out the mission of spreading the glory and love of God cross-culturally.

As reported in the Associated Press: "The Episcopal Church, through its Central and South American Province, has a direct connection to Latin Americans who want to serve here churches also want to connect with congregants on a cultural level, and Latin American clergy can tailor services "'The cultural identification and bonding that occur when a person of the same background is leading them, serving them and overall providing spiritual leadership is a big draw and it sustains people's faith.'"

Deacon Olga Barrera will be preaching and hosting a powerpoint presentation about the Episcopal Church, its work in Honduras, and establishing a ministry for the local Latino community at the following locations:

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 32 E. Walker Street, Orland, at 9 a.m., worship service only, on Sunday.

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 820 Main Street, Corning, at 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday , followed by a powerpoint presentation about the Episcopal Church's Latino ministry.

An authentic Honduran dinner and powerpoint presentation will also take place at:

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 510 Jefferson Street, Red Bluff at 5 p.m. in the Parish Hall on Sunday. R.S.V.P. for the dinner by Friday by calling 527-5205.

Information about The Rev. Olga Barrera's work in Northern California is available by contacting St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 527-5205 or via email at stpeters@shasta.com.

Established in 2005, the North Valley Episcopal Ministry encompasses the Episcopal parishes of St. Peter's in Red Bluff, St. Andrew's in Corning, Good Shepherd in Orland, and Holy Trinity in Willows, under the leadership of Regional Missioner, The Rev. Maryly Adair.