Portuguese Congregation Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

 

Around 100 people gathered at Park Baptist Church recently to celebrate the third anniversary of the establishment of a Portuguese congregation there. Those present included members of the English and Portuguese speaking congregations at Park, and a contingent from the Portuguese congregation at Dereham Baptist Church

 

The service was led by Rev Leda Schofield, associate pastor at Park.  A music group from Dereham (pictured) led the gathering in bilingual worship. Louise and Joe Liddament, members at Park, gave a brief history of the Portuguese congregation. Pastor George Damasceno from Dereham brought a message reminding everyone that the ultimate purpose of church is encourage people to seek God. Refreshments followed, including some Portuguese specialties

 

The Portuguese congregation was established in 2006 as a means of supporting the many Portuguese speakers in Great Yarmouth. It has seen many encouragements, including the baptism of four members in 2008. In June of this year a full time Portuguese speaking pastor, Leda Schofield, was appointed by Park in order to develop the work, and the congregation has grown in recent months. The bilingual nature of the anniversary is one example of the integration being encouraged between English and Portuguese speakers at the church. Another is the crèche run by members of the English congregation during the Portuguese service

 

The Portuguese congregation currently meets every Sunday at 4pm. From 16^th January 2010 onwards the service time will change to Saturdays at 6.30 pm. Portuguese speakers are very welcome to join these gatherings