Worshiping at Villeneuve Saint Georges

Jesus not only made foreigners feel welcome, he even extolled them. Who can forget Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in John’s Gospel, or that familiar parable of the good Samaritan?
Following Jesus’ example has not always been easy for Christians. But our partners in the United Protestant Church of France ….

Jesus not only made foreigners feel welcome, he even extolled them.  Who can forget Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in John’s Gospel, or that familiar parable of the good Samaritan?

Following Jesus’ example has not always been easy for Christians.  But our partners in the United Protestant Church of France (a recent merger of the French Reformed and Lutheran churches) are welcoming more and more immigrants into their congregations, and the church is enriched accordingly. 

Most of the suburbs that surround Paris are not, as is often the case in the United States, homogenious enclaves of the wealthy.  Rather, like Villeneuve Saint Georges on the River Seine southeast of Paris, they are communities where immigrant families from former French colonies have settled.  As newcomers have brought diversity to the community, however, older French residents have not retreated.  Instead, they have transformed the Protestant “Temple” there into a multiracial congregation where all are welcome and all participate equally.  At last count, there were sixteen different nationalities represented.

While worship still adheres to the traditional French Reformed order, the African members have brought a new enthusiasm and vitality to the service, including rousing anthems sung by the immigrant choir.  Since language is no barrier to communication and fellowship, immigrant members share in the scripture readings, committee reports, and announcements. 

Villeneuve Saint Georges is not unique in France, but Americans can feel a special connection with this particular church because its pastor is Rev. Robert Shebeck, until recently executive for mission interpretation and constituency relationships of our own Global Ministries.