2 churches bond together by spirit, faith and culture

The partnership evolved after other collaborations.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- Economics may have played a role in the practical partnership of Metro Assembly and Spanish Evangelical churches. But the real blessing is the spiritual and cultural exchange between the congregations.
In late August, the Spanish Evangelical Church left its location on Rigby Street on the city's East Side and relocated to Metro Assembly's site at 2530 South Ave. on the South Side.
The SEC is raising funds to build a new church on McCartney Road on the East Side, but completion is a couple of years away.
The Rev. Al Yanno Jr. of Metro and the Rev. Rolando Rojas of SEC said their partnership evolved after other collaborations on a men's ministry and retreats. The two churches are under one roof and bonded by faith in their Assemblies of God affiliation.
The congregations voted on the partnership, and it was approved overwhelmingly by both groups. "We spoke to our church boards about the idea. Both were receptive to it," the Rev. Mr. Rojas said. "We left a not-great situation and this is more cost-effective for us."
"We agreed because this fit our mission ... partnerships with other churches and making an impact on the community," the Rev. Mr. Yanno said. "We wanted to use our facility to the fullest extent."
Metro is a predominately black congregation and has about 70 members with about 120 people attending services. SEC includes a spectrum of Hispanic people and has a membership of 115 with services attracting as many as 150.
Stressing unity
"Our two cultures came together and there is a need for other ethnic groups to work together," Mr. Yanno said.
"We think we're sending a message. We're different cultures that have come together," Mr. Rojas said. "We're crossing the boundaries that may have divided us.
"If churches don't set the tone for racial relations, where are we?" Mr. Rojas asked. "We're trying to lead the way by working together, and what we believe is in the Gospel."
Sharing basic religious tenets is proving to be the bond between the two congregations.
"The Bible is the inerrant word of God," Mr. Yanno said. "As expressed in the Book of Acts, there is salvation through Jesus Christ."
Fundamental Truths
Members of the two churches have accepted the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God. Now, they are meeting the challenge of living its doctrines.
Among the truths are:
UThe Scriptures are inspired by God and declare His design and plan for mankind.
UThere is only one true God ... revealed in three persons ... Father, Son and Holy Spirit, commonly known as the Holy Trinity.
USanctification initially occurs at salvation and is not only a declaration that a believer is holy, but also a progressive lifelong process of separating from evil as believers continually draw closer to God and become more Christlike.
UThe Bible teaches that those under leadership must commit themselves to reach others for Christ, to worship Him with other believers, and to build up or edify the body of believers -- the church.
So far, the arrangement is working out, and enhancing the religious and secular lives of members, both men say.
The two pastors also realize meshing two cultural backgrounds, along with their music, food, language, traditions and perspectives, will be ongoing. While they want to be complementary to each another and provide a learning experience for both congregations, maintaining a sense of self also is important.
"We want to keep our identities as churches," Mr. Rojas said.
When bilingual services are scheduled, there are English to Spanish and Spanish to English translators. "We have first- and second-generation Hispanics but we want the third generation to maintain the language and keep the family traditions going," Mr. Rojas said. The translations also may benefit other members interested in learning Spanish.
The two churches maintain separate worship services but sometimes have joint services including a past New Year's Eve program. Metro's services are at 10:45 a.m. Sundays and family Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays; SEC services are from 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays and family Bible study at 7 p.m. Tuesdays.
The two churches will collaborate on a multicultural, bilingual Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. today. There also will be a joint New Year's Eve event at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.
Offering outreach
Metro and SEC already join forces to offer a food pantry. Mr. Yanno said a men's gathering, Band of Brothers, was meant to encourage each other and mobilize the men in the congregations. Church members also are supporting the mentoring program in Youngstown schools.
"One of our strengths is being family-oriented and offering something for all age groups," Mr. Yanno said.
"Working together we promote the partnership of churches. Pooling our resources and manpower is a plus," Mr. Rojas said.
"It's a learning process. We're teaching our people about the importance of outreach ... and doing things together," Mr. Yanno added. "Outreach makes a statement. ... It's about praising God, too."
A commitment to the neighborhood also is evidenced by the block party sponsored by the churches that featured Spanish, gospel and rap music and an "adopt-a-block" program in which members cut grass and cleaned up neighboring areas. It's about service to the community, the two ministers agreed.
linonis@vindy.com