Imagine worship with a steel marimba band, organ and guitar. Imagine families gathering at a chapel at  Waterloo Lutheran Seminary on the campus of Wilfrid Laurier University for worship and celebration. That, my friends, was the celebration of Black History Month on February 24 2013 with our sister congregation, Maranatha Lutheran Church  of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).

Many other members of the Carribbean community had also come that day to celebrate the annual event with Maranatha. I was there, along with other council members and spouses from St. Philip Lutheran Church, having been invited by the Maranatha council. The Keffer Chapel was full.

Greeters welcomed us into the sanctuary, where the Starlite Band was already playing and people greeting each other. M. Guerra-Francis led in some welcome songs: It’s Me, O Lord; Go Down Moses; and He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. Our voices were truly warmed up by the time we had sung all three hymns.

Rev. Peter Kuhnert, pastor of Maranatha, opened the service with words of welcome and dialogue on the theme of Faith, Education and Community.

Communion being prepared by Rev Peter Kuhnert and worship assistant

Communion: “All are welcome”

After the service, we went upstairs in the seminary building to a classroom where tables were set up for a meal. Mrs. Bell and Ms. Elaine had catered a full course Caribbean meal that members of Maranatha church served in a buffet line in another classroom. The food was delicious and the conversation around our table was enjoyable.

The afternoon program included music and entertainment, speakers, and greetings from our Member of Provincial Parliament, Peter Braid.

Entertainment by  the Cameron Heights Chamber Choir under the leadership of  Alan Xaykongsa. Delightful and lively African music that had us clapping or singing along

More Caribbean music, by a member of the Starlite band on guitar, accompanied by Chloe Callender.

Leaders in the Caribbean community of Kitchener-Waterloo spoke on the theme of Faith, Education and Community. Speakers were Marcia Smellie, Edwin Laryea,  and Sylma Fletcher.

Pastor Peter Kuhnert gave closing greetings.

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I went home filled with the sights and sounds of that event,  remembering new faces and the names connected to them, as well as conversations with others I already knew, … and oh, that African music too.

For more photos of the Black History Month celebration go to LINK Newsmagazine and select the first album.

Photos on this post by the gracious permission of  Sylma Fletcher.