This weekend on Sabbath, Oct. 14, student-led church Nuestra Iglesia is hosting the first Sabado Joven of the year. The special tradition began last year and is one of many events and celebrations being held by Walla Walla University student and faculty organizations in honor of Hispanic Heritage month this September and October.
Sabado Joven is a quarterly event that is inspired by the local Hispanic churches in town and involves an entire day of worship in various forms. After a church service in the morning, a large family-style potluck will be enjoyed before the group ventures out into the community to volunteer in collaboration with the Center for Humanitarian Engagement. This time, the plan is to do some needed painting work in local Hispanic churches.
Andres Anaya, junior product design major and one of Nuestra Iglesia’s pastors, encouraged anyone interested in the Hispanic Heritage month events to join in the last few celebrations. “Everyone is welcome,” he said.
Coordinators of the events are calling the culminating worship services of Hispanic Heritage month “Nuestra weekend.” The weekend will begin with vespers on Friday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. in the University Church. Anaya is particularly excited to welcome a pastor from his childhood, Harold Altamirano, to campus as a guest speaker for the vespers. Nuestra Iglesia will share a special Sabbath service in honor of Hispanic Heritage month on Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the Walla Walla Village Church.
A variety of other events and celebrations have been enjoyed over the course of Hispanic Heritage month. Many community members joined WWU students for a Mexican folklore dance group in the Fine Arts Center, something that had never been done before on campus. The Atlas, WWU’s coffee shop and study space, also served a special hibiscus tea in collaboration with the Hispanic Faculty Staff Association (HFSA).
Find updates and details about Hispanic Heritage month events on Instagram by visiting @wwuhfsa, @nuestra.iglesia, or @wwuhispanicministries.
Posted Oct. 13, 2023
