What is La Vela?

La Vela (meaning candle in Spanish) is one ministry with two expressions. The first is a Spanish-language mission start with the goal of developing the first Lutheran Latino congregation in Guilford County and only the third in North Carolina. This is “La Iglesia Luterana La Vela” or “La Vela Lutheran Church.” The second expression - “La Vela Latino Center for Spiritual Care” - is an outreach ministry to Latinos which offers two main services: 1) pastoral care and spiritual growth opportunities and 2) hospitality to the immigrant Latino community through cross-cultural activities with non-Latinos.

Pastor Kristina Johnson, director and mission developer of La Vela provides pastoral care to Latinos in crisis or in need of care. She also recruits and trains volunteers to serve in a variety of supportive roles. La Vela builds community around language exchange partnerships, prayer and worship, both Lutheran and ecumenical. At the root of all we do is relationship around the promise and invitation that, in Jesus Christ, we are all one body. Our symbol is the candle, "la vela" because we seek to be a candle of hope in times that not infrequently seem dark and uninviting.

Language Partnerships Take Off

It's all about relationship. Learning the basics of a new language. Getting acquainted with people of a different culture. Sharing your own culture. At La Vela Latino Center for Spiritual Care, our mission is to build community that transcends grammar, pronunciation and stereotypes. We bring together Spanish-speaking Latinos with English-speaking non-Latinos, neither of whom is fluent in the other language, and the fun begins. Both are teacher and student. Both bring gifts and needs. Both are transformed in the giving and receiving, as author Jean Varnier notes in his book, Spiritual Journeys:

I sense that a new spirituality is being born in the church today, flowing from the wounded hearts of the weak and broken who are crying out for friendship. This friendship is also a source of healing for those who answer their cry.

The relationships we build are the vehicles to extend another form of service: spiritual accompaniment to Latino immigrants in our area. This cadre of volunteers supports chaplain and pastor Kristina Johnson and former monk, Cesar Prada, who offer pastoral care, in Spanish, to local immigrants. The volunteers also provide transportation, childcare and assistance to Latinos who attend Monday evening exchange classes and mental health support groups run by the Mental Health Association in Greensboro.

Our language partnership exchange program takes place on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at First Lutheran Church (corner of Holden and Friendly.) We also hold potluck suppers, worship opportunities, candlelight vigils, youth ministry and cultural broker trainings.

How would YOU like to be a part of La Vela? Tell us: 336-202-1627 or contact us by email (see below.)