LEVITTOWN, Puerto Rico (ELCA) -- Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have a new Spanish-language worship book designed to fulfill the needs of congregations in North, South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. The ELCA introduced "Libro de Liturgia y Cantico" (Book of Liturgy and Song) here May 23 at a gathering of more than 300 lay leaders, musicians and clergy.
"Libro de Liturgia y Cantico is a gift from the Lord. It is like having a birthday and receiving many gifts with the book being the best gift," said the Rev. Mario C. Miranda, Betania Lutheran Church, Bayamon, Puerto Rico. "The worship book provides the opportunity for Spanish-speaking people to address God in a way that is natural, and God speaks back to us in the same language." Miranda, a member of the ELCA Church Council, took part in the event.
The book was developed by a group of Latino theologians, musicians and liturgists, said Evelyn B. Soto, ELCA director for culture-specific resources. "Libro de Liturgia y Cantico includes a rich liturgical section for Sunday and weekday worship, as well as a collection of hymns in a variety of music styles from Latin America. The liturgies and music are representative of territories like Central and South America, Mexico and the Spanish Caribbean." The hard-cover book contains 624 songs.
"For hundreds of years the Anglo church shared its materials and worship resources with Hispanic Lutherans. It was up to us to translate them from English to Spanish," said Angel M. Mattos, Epiphany Lutheran Church, Bayamon. "This time we want to share music and liturgies from the many Hispanic communities with the entire Lutheran church community. About 30 percent of the hymns in Libro de Liturgia y Cantico have text available in English." Mattos led the event in Puerto Rico and served as project manager for the book's production.
"There are many Hispanic communities, each with a different cultural background," said Miranda. "Some communities have roots in South America in countries like Argentina, Peru and Ecuador. There are also Spanish-speaking communities located in the United States. Libro de Liturgia y Cantico will help foster unity among the many different groups of Spanish-speaking people that have migrated to North America."
"What better way to praise God than with music that is in my language and rhythm that is reflective of my way of life," said Liza Canino, Reconciliation Lutheran Church, Bayamon.
"I plan to share this book with other young people, especially if we want to continue traditions with future generations," said Canino. "Knowing that there are people elsewhere in the world learning to sing songs featured in the book gives me a great sense of hope of what our church is to become."
At Divino Salvador Lutheran Church, Catano, Puerto Rico, Libro de Liturgia y Cantico is already in use. "The book is indeed a gift from God for our community," said the Rev. Carmelo Nieves-Canino. "The people sitting in the pew, those who may not have participation in the direction of the service, have accepted the book with love. When members listen to music from their land -- as well as from brothers and sisters in other communities -- it helps them take ownership of the worship and adoration."
"Before Libro de Liturgia y Cantico, my congregation pulled music from books purchased in stores, from other church bodies and music that I have composed for use in our Sunday worship. With this new worship resource, the needs of my congregation will be met," said Judy Santiago, organist for Divino Salvador.
"We are part of the same church. Although we speak a different language, we pray and worship the same God. We want to be together," said the Rev. Francisco L. Sosa, bishop of the ELCA's Caribbean Synod. "We are the new immigrants to the United States. We do not come from Europe, but from Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Essentially, we are repeating what Germans and other people from Europe did 200 to 300 years ago, which is to bring and share our own culture."
Thirteen other events will be held this summer in the United States to present the book to church leaders, musicians and clergy. The events are designed to demonstrate how Libro de Liturgia y Cantico can be used. Each participant will receive a copy of the book along with a 30-minute audio cassette. Libro de Liturgia y Cantico is published by Augsburg Fortress Publishers, the publishing house of the ELCA, based in Minneapolis.
Libro de Liturgia y Cantico was produced by the ELCA's Division for Congregational Ministries and the Commission for Multicultural Ministries. It was funded in part by the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation, a fraternal benefits organization based in Minneapolis.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
