With the new understanding between our congregations, we can now better clarify our roles in this covenant. In summary, the 1998 Riga 1st UMC congregation is comprised of pensioners and very enthusiastic children aged 16 and younger. A small group of 6 or so middle-aged, dedicated people are well educated and hold occupations requiring leadership or significant artistic skill. The Riga 1st UMC congregation is motivated to participate in the rebuilding of the church in Latvia.
Application or development of leadership skills have been discouraged for two generations but are beginning to bloom in the young. One vision of the Latvian church leaders is to provide leadership training, possibly as part of a youth camp to tap the potential evident in the young Latvians. High level leadership materials have been developed or delivered but activities designed to support these new skills are needed.
Another powerful vision of the church leadership in Latvia is to define the educational standards for young people in Latvia with Methodist published materials. Many parents fear that their children are getting neither an adequate education nor positive influences from public schools. The Christian-Methodist experience is clearly providing a positive influence but Latvian language religious materials are rare. Many of the materials that do exist are in an archaic English similar to Old English. Latvian Methodist materials that exist have been devised or are being translated by the new Latvian congregations.
A volunteer teaching at the US Embassy was identified who is very capable of teaching the young people to translate simple youth Bible study materials from English into Latvian. Though these young people are mostly capable of conversational English, most can write it very well. It was determined that it is possible to conduct two of these training sessions per week for 5 weeks to get as many as 20 young Latvians competent in this translation role.
The older members of the congregation are very interested inlearning English. English is currently the standard for international commerce. In a port city such as Riga knowledge of English significantly improves employment prospects. The modern religious materials available are predominantly English. Free English classes at the Methodist church have the potential to improve the economic prospects of the members of the congregation. A format that has proven successful in countries where English is desired involves an after work class followed by a 30 minute scripture study. This format has proven effective in other countries for both helping people understand the Word while improving their economic prospects. After interviews with two possible teachers during our visit it is estimated that this ministry could be funded very reasonably. Though outside the original commitment of our covenant, the feasibility of this commitment will be explored.
The middle class is very small but growing in Latvia. Upper-middle class traffic is constant through the church as people attend aerobics classes and wrestling events at the club renting space in the basement. Awareness of both the cross/flame and the inclusive nature of Methodism is a top priority to which the church leadership is responding. The term "Methodist" is unknown to most Latvians. Though the enthusiasm of the young attracts visitors to Sunday School, many are not allowed to attend the church functions due to the "sect" concerns many wise parents may have. Latvian Methodists are very sensitive to this recognition problem and work to rectify the situation. Latvian Methodists need communications and information demonstrating their connectedness with something larger.
The church facility is still in need of significant repair to give visitors (and church members) visible evidence of the viability, permanence and stability of Methodism in Latvia. For two generations, Latvians have had proof that a centralized oppressor has created most of the misfortunes in their lives. They are struggling to overcome the "blame" mentality and understand "connectedness" as a healthy relationship. Ongoing supportive dialogue with other Methodists in the world is critical for the healing process to continue. This is a minimum requirement of our covenant.
Music is central to Latvian culture. The beauty and power of the Sunday School Choir and High School Girl's Choir is overwhelming . It was not possible to contain tears while witnessing these young people inspired by the love of Christ, singing in perfect harmony, with the power and confidence of the Holy Spirit. The caliber of talent is world class. The self discipline and leadership potential beams from these young Methodists. The choir director envisions outdoor concerts and choir trips to spread the Word of Christ and the United Methodist Church. This powerful ministry will quickly solve the identity and Methodist awareness problems faced by contemporary Latvian Methodists.
Our congregations have the spiritual and intellectual strength to move mountains. With our prayers we will remain strong as we grow in faith along with our Latvian brothers and sisters. With our active and open presence we will sense the power of fellowship and connectedness with the world available thorugh Christ. With the application of our gifts we will share a small portion of our infinite blessings and realize additional blessigs beyond our capabilities to imagine. And with our service, we can demonstrate the importance and impact of Christian stewardship. We recognize this covenant is one of our countless blessingsto be shared.
Randy Tolleson - June 1998
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