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So far Colleen Maki has created 114 blog entries.

The Book of Exodus

Oct 7, 2023

“The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out. Their cry for help rose up to God from their slavery. 24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” – Exodus 2:23

The Book of Exodus tells the story of the Israelite people’s captivity and eventual freedom. It is the story of God hearing the cries and struggles of the chosen people and then remembering the promises made to this group.

But the book of Exodus isn’t just about the struggles of freeing the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Following their escape, the Israelites wander in the wilderness for a period and are brought into a new sense of their identity. God gives the Ten Commandments and instructions for building a tabernacle, all as ways to solidify a covenant relationship between God and the Israelite people.

The entire book illustrates the deep desire of God to care for God’s chosen people when they cry out for help. It’s a book that tells us that God will remember and keep God’s promises.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Book of Exodus2023-10-12T15:55:04-06:00

Rated PG: The God of our ancestors, of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel

Oct 6, 2023

The God of our ancestors, of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel…

OK, the Bible does not read like that. The patriarchy is widely known, and repeated multiple times in the Old Testament. We often hear of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. But we know that their stories are intertwined with the stories of the women who were equally as strong. The partnerships that these couples forged was for the benefit of us all. If our scripture writers were writing today I certainly expect that they would have included the couples’ names as those who are our heritage.

These women listened to God. They followed where God was leading them. Their stories are not the stories of perfect women. They took risks, endured challenges, were disobedient in some ways. But more than anything, they were strong. They made their husbands better.

True partnerships are like that. Each makes the other better. The Bible is filled with partnerships. The human story begins with the story of Adam and Eve. A partnership. Certainly not perfect, but just as is should have been. After all, it is our story.

Joyfully Serving Christ,
Pastor Gary

 

Rated PG: The God of our ancestors, of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel2023-10-12T15:52:28-06:00

Carry Narcan

Coffee with Colleen

Oct 5, 2023

I am very fond of rituals because they keep me grounded. They center me when the world is feeling a little too chaotic. One of my most important rituals is drinking my coffee in the morning. My favorite coffee is blonde roast french press with a splash of lactose free half & half and a drizzle of maple syrup. I protect my time in the mornings so that I can drink my coffee slowly and thoughtfully. It is one of the truly calm and peaceful times of my day where I connect with the Creator. I invite you to grab your favorite beverage and spend some time connecting with God the Holy Parent this morning.

I love podcasts and storytelling. Recently, I heard a story on This American Life about an unusual hotline. The Never Use Alone hotline takes harm reduction seriously by staying on the line with people who are using drugs. They are able to call the paramedics if the caller overdoses in order to keep them alive.

The opioid epidemic and overdose crisis make my heart hurt. You may have been touched by addiction or know someone who is in recovery. You may have seen someone using in the streets or around town. I am certain you have heard something about this situation on the news.

My invitation to you today is to consider Jesus’ call to love our neighbor through the lens of harm reduction. Have you heard of narcan or naloxone? It is an easy to use nose spray medicine that can prevent death in the case of an overdose. Did you know that if you are a resident of Denver, you can order free naloxone through the public health department? It is also very easy to get at a local pharmacy by simply asking the pharmacist.

You may be asking, why should I carry narcan? Because narcan is simple to use and it helps keeps people alive. Narcan keeps our siblings in Christ alive. I invite you to learn more about faithful harm reduction by exploring the links in this devotional.

In faithful solidarity,

Colleen

Carry Narcan2023-10-12T15:49:18-06:00

James 1:27

Oct 4, 2023

Take time to really imagine that you or a child in your life works as a child laborer… Imagine that you are forced to work 14+ hour days. Imagine that your working conditions are unsanitary and you leave work feeling exhausted and weak. Imagine that your supervisors restrict bathroom use and access to clean water, and then beat you when you pass out from exhaustion, forcing you to go back to work. Now imagine that you and your family are so desperate for any money that you and your siblings are all forced to work like this for only $0.36 per hour. This scenario is the reality for many children of Bangladesh who make garments for major US companies, such as Wal-Mart, Hanes and JCPenney.

Take time to research some of your favorite clothing stores, to see if they use child labor. (Google: the stores name and child labor). See if you can identify alternative places to purchase your clothes that have more ethical labor practices.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger
James 1:272023-10-12T15:45:38-06:00

Bullying

October 2, 2023

Each month there are National Health Observances. My goal is to highlight one each month for a devotion. For October, the focus will be on bullying.

The definition of a bully according to the dictionary is a blustering, mean or predatory person who, from a perceived position of power, intimidates, abuses, harasses or coerces people, especially those considered unlikely to defend themselves. That’s a mouthful! Certainly no one should experience the negative consequences of this behavior and statistically more than 1 out of every 5 students report being bullied.

Let’s look at how bullying can affect someone. Students who are bullied at school often suffer a loss in self-esteem and confidence. Ability to learn is negatively affected and often school is dreaded. Physical symptoms, like headaches or stomachaches, can occur along with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

Bullying does not affect just those on the receiving end. Those who observe another person being bullied can experience helplessness, anxiety and fear. Bullies themselves may also suffer higher rates of physical and emotional health issues.

As Christians it’s obvious that bullying would be against the tenets of our faith. Leviticus 19:18, as Jesus says, is the second greatest commandment, “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” And Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” I’m sure there are plenty of bible verses to support that bullying is harmful and sinful.

For those who witness bullying, there is a choice to be made whether to act or not. Silence is really not acceptable when it comes to bullying. Galatians 6:1-2 says, “My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When we choose kindness, acceptance and inclusion, we can ease the burdens of others. Here’s the part that’s always challenging – the individual doing the bullying needs our love and grace too.

Prevention of bullying is perhaps the best approach. Part of Bethany’s dismissal each Sunday states, “Embrace healthy dialogue that promotes unity over division.” We each can demonstrate kindness, acceptance and inclusion and show a willingness to talk about these principles. There are some practical ideas that anyone can do on the PACER’S bullying prevention website: www.pacer.org/BULLYING/.

Peace,
Janet, Director of Pastoral Care

Bullying2023-10-12T15:42:54-06:00

The Book of Matthew

The Book of Matthew
Written By Pastor Nate Preisinger

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:18-20

Each Gospel writer has a distinct audience in their mind as they wrote the words to their book.  In the Gospel of Matthew, we find a collection of stories about Jesus that are being presented to a primarily Jewish audience.  Matthew continually shares quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) as a way of highlighting his primary point: that Jesus is the Messiah; the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecies.

Additionally, Matthew focuses on the ways that Jesus calls us to be a community of faith.  The Sermon on the Mount is only found in Matthew’s Gospel and it includes a number of statements and parables that seek to instill within the disciples of Jesus a call to be a source of God’s blessings in the world.

The entire Gospel of Matthew seeks to present the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection as the culmination of God’s grand promise for all creation.  Jesus came to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17) and the entire Gospel of Matthew invites to discover what that Kingdom looks like on earth and leaves us with the call to continue bringing heaven to earth through our words and actions (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Book of Matthew2023-09-13T16:54:55-06:00

Psalms 37:7a

Sept 29, 2023

In our world of personalization, and individualization, loneliness is a growing issue. Many have become unknowingly isolated by technology and our digital way of life.

As we see our world move further and further in this direction it is poignant to note all the times that those in scripture willingly chose to isolate themselves in order to grow closer to God.  At six different points in the scripture we are told that Jesus went away by himself to pray.  Clearly, time alone does not have to be a destructive experience.

Today, take 20 minutes of prayer and silence in an effort to reclaim your alone time. Challenge yourself to see this not as a time of isolation and loneliness but as a time of solitude and strength.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

Psalms 37:7a2023-10-12T15:39:49-06:00

Misconceptions

Sept 28, 2023

An issue that exists all over the world is misconceptions and stereotypes about different religions. These misguided assumptions can create climates of religious intolerance which often lead to violence and oppression.

Brian McLaren reflected on these dynamics in his book on Christian Identity in a Multi-faith World: “I think the truth is, we are very, very different. Our biggest problem though, isn’t our differences; our biggest problem is that we build identity by enforcing hostility toward the other. In other words, I learn who I am by learning who I am against… My question is: can we find a way of holding Christian identity that sends us toward the other with love and hospitality, rather than with fear and hostility?”

Today, do a little bit of online research about a faith tradition that is not your own. As you discover new information about another religion ask yourself, “how can the traditions and practices of this other religion teach me to be a more faithful Christian?”

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

Misconceptions2023-10-12T15:36:53-06:00

Baptism Part 3

Baptism: Part 3

The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine. 

“At our baptism these words are spoken: “You have been marked by the cross of Christ forever.’ We are claimed by God as God’s beloved and nothing else gets to tell us who we are.”
– adapted quote from Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber

Baptism is about identity. It is the Initiation Rite of the Christian faith and so it carries with it an entirely new identity. In baptism we are marked as Children of God; we are connected to the ongoing story of the Christian Church; we are forever labeled as the beloved of God.

There are so many other voices in our world and in our life that try to tell us different stories. We can be seduced into thinking that our worth is dependent on our accomplishments or that our identity is dictated by the opinions of our peers but our baptism is meant to be this event that forever tells us a better story.

A baptism is this ritual that includes prayers and water and the stories of scripture and a gathering of people. It is a very involved moment because it is all witnessing to a much deeper and more enduring truth than any of the other messages we hear in life. A new identity as God’s Beloved Child is established in our baptism and nothing can take that away from us.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

Baptism Part 32023-10-12T15:31:39-06:00

Baptism: Part 2

Baptism: Part 2

The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine. 

In our baptism we become a part of God’s grand story that has been unfolding since the beginning of creation. Out of love, God claims us as Children and makes us heirs to God’s promises; promises that have been made to God’s people for millennia.”

– Rev. Matthew Nickoloff

The Bible is filled with stories of God rescuing God’s people from death, from famine, from slavery, from war, from sin, etc. etc.

While all these stories are powerful in their own right, it’s also valuable to note that often times these stories include the presence of water.  God saved Noah and his family from the waters of the flood. God led the Israelites through the Red Sea when they were finally freed from slavery in Egypt. While wandering in the wilderness, God brought forth water from a rock to help sustain the people on their way. The beginning of Jesus’ public ministry occurred at his baptism, when the heaven’s opened and a voice proclaimed him to be God’s Beloved Son.

The ritual of baptism that we still practice today is the continuation of these stories. It is another example of God using water to bring salvation to an individual. The story is not over! God’s saving work will continue as the Holy Spirit works in and through the life of the newly baptized person.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

Baptism: Part 22023-10-12T15:29:31-06:00

Baptism: Part 1

Baptism: Part 1

The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine.

“We don’t begin looking for proof. We start with the knowledge that we are claimed by God, and then, we seek to understand that which we trust.” – adapted quote from St. Augustine of Hippo

Our baptism is the historic moment in our lives when we are claimed by God as God’s children. Our life of faith begins, not when we finally figure out what it means to believe in God, but rather with a claiming action by God. The logic of this statement should then underline all our future theology; all of our future understanding of God. It never begins with our efforts or works, but rather everything begins with a loving action from God.

As Christians we can us the internal logic of baptism as a lens for examining other aspects of our faith and theology. Are we ever telling ourselves that we need to be good enough in order to earn God’s love? Are we ever perpetuating beliefs that put an emphasis on our efforts over and above God’s actions? This type of thinking will never fit with the message we hear at our baptism: that God claims us first.

Peace,
Pastor Nate Preisinger

Baptism: Part 12023-10-12T15:25:54-06:00

The Book of Genesis – Blessed to be a Blessing

The Book of Genesis – Blessed to be a Blessing
By: Pastor Nate Preisinger

“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” – Genesis 12:2

The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible and so it makes sense that it would be a book all about beginnings.  The word Genesis means beginning or origin and so the entire book is filled with the origin stories of God’s people.

Genesis is a long book that includes stories about the creation of the world but then progresses into ancestral stories about God’s original promise to Abraham and Sarah; a promise that follows to the subsequent generations of Isaac and Rebekah and Jacob and his sons.

Genesis is a book that testifies to the gracious nature of God.  God is creative and giving even in the face of human sinfulness.  Not only that, but God, the Creator of the world, is also a god who keeps promises.  Genesis tells us that God blesses communities of people so that they might be a blessing to others.

The Book of Genesis – Blessed to be a Blessing2023-09-14T11:15:54-06:00

Sacred Space

September 22, 2023

Throughout history many wars and conflicts were ignited by arguments over sacred space. Specific cities or areas held deep religious significance to multiple groups and arguments over these sacred spaces led to conflict and bloodshed.  The ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine is the result of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim groups all seeing Jerusalem as a profoundly sacred space.

Reflect today upon the areas in your life that you consider to be ‘sacred space’. If possible, spend some quite time in your ‘sacred space’ praying for those whose sacred space is threatened and those who are affected by the violence in these areas.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

Sacred Space2023-10-12T15:22:06-06:00

John 1:5

September 21, 2023

Having faith in the tough times is never easy. Below are the wise words of Henri Nouwen as he reflects on the difficulty of working through the tough moments.

“There is a very old piece of wisdom that comes from the 4th century monks of the Egyptian Desert: ‘Do not combat the demons directly.’ Instead of paying so much attention to the prince of darkness, they advised their disciples to focus on the Lord of Light and thus, indirectly but inevitably undo the power of the demon…

I therefore want to say as clearly as I can that the first and foremost task of the peacemaker is not to fight death but to call forth, affirm, and nurture the signs of life wherever they become manifest.” — Henri Nouwen

Today, I invite you to take some time to reflect on the light that you see in your life. Create a list of 5 “lights” in your life that give you hope and post it in a place where you will regularly see it.

Peace,

Pastor Nate

John 1:52023-10-12T15:19:33-06:00

Rated PG 1

Travel is complicated. I will not go into all the details, but you know what I am talking about – itineraries, ID’s, schedules…

Journeying is simple – just go. God usually calls us to journey. Abraham, Moses, Jonah, Amos – these people just journeyed. God would be with them on the way. That does not mean that the way was always smooth. There were pitfalls, but there were joys. There were days of wondering in the mist of the wandering. The only real commitments were to journey, and to let God lead.

We enter into a new devotional together. Some of you may want to schedule a time each day to spend in this devotional. That’s great. Others will just journey along. You might miss some days along the way. As things progress you may even read some days out of order. Use this time as God leads you. It may be different from your friends. That’s OK. Don’t make it complicated, just enjoy the journey.

Joyfully Serving Christ,
Pastor Gary

Rated PG 12023-09-18T14:57:45-06:00

Death Penalty

When Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to die on the cross, he knew an innocent man would be executed.  In our system of justice, it is hard to imagine an innocent person being executed by the state in 2023, but it has happened and will probably happen again.  Not in Colorado, though.

On March 23, 2020, the legislature abolished the death penalty in Colorado in Senate Bill 20-100.  With that bill, Colorado became one of 23 states without the death penalty.  There are many reasons why Colorado abolished the death penalty. Come and learn about some of them from Phil Cherner, an attorney who worked to abolish the death penalty in Colorado.

On May 19 at 5:30, the Social Concerns Forum is sponsoring a talk by Phil to be followed by a screening of the movie Just Mercy, about the career of Bryan Stevenson who worked for death row inmates in Alabama to prove their innocence.  Please join in learning about the death penalty and why Colorado chose to eliminate that possible penalty.

Death Penalty2023-05-18T12:57:38-06:00

Nothing will stand in the way of love

“Nothing will stand in the way of love”
By: Justin March

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world.  It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”

Agatha Christie

I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by strong women throughout my life.  Women who are loving, endearing, thoughtful, patient, kind, and forgiving.  Women who are head strong, goal oriented, and passionate about what they do.  And women who know their path in life, stopping at nothing while they relentlessly accomplish each stage of their journey.

Does this sound familiar to you?  Do you know someone else who may carry these exact same traits?

When we talk about how God created us in his image, I always think about the strong women in my life.  I think about how they entertain this world the same way Jesus does.  And I think about how they love unconditionally, forgive easily, and carry their friend’s and family’s burdens as they empathize so freely.

I owe so much to the women in my life, and I appreciate everything they have done for me.  They have made me a better husband, son, sibling, uncle, grandfather, and friend.  And when I seem to be struggling and cannot find my way, it is always one of these women that sheds their light and brings me back to the path Jesus needs me to follow.

I pray you take some time, on this Mother’s Day, to show your support for the women in your life.  Tell them how much you love them, shower them with kindness, and thank them for all they have done.  Revel in the fond memories of how they have touched your life and remember the sacrifices they made that helped you become the person you are today.

I don’t know about you, but when I think about grace, strength, and unconditional love, I find myself thanking God for all the women in my life.  Crushing remorselessly all that stands in their path so they can simply make another’s life beautiful.  And though there is nothing more perfect than finding rest in Jesus’ loving arms, I always find sanctuary and peace when I embrace the women he has put into my life!

Nothing will stand in the way of love2023-05-18T09:52:46-06:00

After the Burial

After the Burial
By: Justin March

“He is not here; he has risen!  Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:  The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Luke 24: 6-7

As most of you know, I have a passion for music.  It can fuel my energy, it can soothe my chaos, and it can encapsulate my soul.  There are times the thunderous roar of the drums and the raging rhythms of the guitars pick me up and get me going.  And there are times where the angelic voices and hypnotic harmonies calm me down and bring me peace.  It has always been a staple in my life, and no matter what the day wants to throw my way, I have always found that music brings me back to a place of happiness and satisfaction.

So, as I found myself surrounded by the crowd of hungry heavy metal fans at Summit Music Hall last Wednesday night, I found myself in a state of bliss as the music moved through me.  Spiritbox, After the Burial, and Intervals were not bands I was familiar with, but after watching them all put on one amazing show, I was feeling thankful for the opportunity to attend.  Yet, as my buddy and I left the venue and headed back to the car, there was one phrase that kept running through my mind…..After the Burial.

When I think back on my life and reminisce about how events, people, and moments have shaped the person I am, the memories are often haunted by sorrow and heartache.  I can find myself dwelling on the negatives, and if I am not careful, I can drown in the woes of self-pity and shame.  And when I focus on the things that have had a damaging effect on my life, I often find myself buried in the trenches and struggling to find my way back to the surface.

I cannot change the past or erase the hardships I have endured, but I can bury those negative feelings and focus on the positive.  I can forgive the people who have hurt me, abandoned me, and made life difficult.  I can extend grace and try to put myself in their shoes.  And I can stop trying to figure out why they treated me the way they did and eradicate the self-pity I feel for enduring those broken relationships.  I must leave those feelings in the past so that After the Burial I can learn to nurture new friendships, love unconditionally, and be the man others need me to be.

I also cannot change the decisions that have brought me to this point along my journey.  Whether they were right or wrong, they have shaped who I am today, and have made me the person you currently see.  Instead of dwelling on the choices I feel were incorrect or mis-guided, I must focus on today and ask God where he needs me to be.  I must pray, listen, and follow his lead, so that After the Burial I can travel with a mission that is focused on him and be the disciple he needs me to be.

After the Burial.  It is a thought-provoking phrase and a good subject to think about.  When Jesus was crucified on that cross and buried in that tomb, it was not the end for him and his people.  It was the beginning to a new chapter, and After the Burial he still walks with us, he still loves us, and he still guides us along our journeys.

If Jesus could roll away that stone and live a life After the Burial, what can we do when we focus on him and bury the things that are weighing us down?  Can we move forward, spread light, and brings others closer to him if we just bury the burdens and let them lie in the past?  I believe we can, and if we live a life After the Burial that is positive and loving, maybe we can allow others to rise from the ashes and focus on a different mission for their lives as well.  Because when we really break it down and think about what happens after we take our last breath, it will be After the Burial that we begin a new chapter.  A chapter that eradicates the pain, erases the hurt, and brings us to that glorious home of our Savior.  Until then, let’s focus on loving one another, being inclusive, and extending grace so that After the Burial, we may see God and come to rest in his everlasting arms!

After the Burial2023-05-03T17:31:44-06:00

Is That Really You?

Is that really you?
By: Justin March

“In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, isn’t it ironic that God turned to ravens and a widow to care for Elijah?  God has help where we least expect it, and he provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions and expectations.  No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situations are, we should look for God’s caring touch; we may find His providence in some strange places.”

An excerpt from Jan Sumner’s book…..”Prisoner of Faith”

Now this is the message I have been looking for.  As I allow the world to push its’ agendas and ideals into my life, I feel like I am traveling my journey with a blindfold.  I fail to look for God’s caring touch, and I often miss the opportunities to revel in His shining presence.  And as I read the passage above, there is no doubt that my definitions and expectations are too shallow for the power God truly holds.

But then He shows up.  Not riding in a flaming chariot or surfing on a lightning bolt, but rather in the simplest and strangest of places.  After a hard day, he lays his head on my lap, stretches out all four legs and licks my face to bring me comfort and peace.  He sends me a text message and reminds me that friends and family are always there for me.  He makes himself small, hugs me goodbye, and tells me I’ll see you after school.  And he warms my body as the rays of the sun remind me that spring is right around the corner.

In these moments, the blindfold unties.  In these moments, I begin to understand how God uses the least worthy, the least fortunate, and the least deserving to spread his messages.  And now that I am no longer traveling my journey blind, I am open to what He wants to show me and where He wants to help me.

Friends, there is no doubt in my mind that God is still here with us.  He may not be flashy, he may not make a dramatic appearance, and he may not perform some miraculous feat, but He is always ready to show His face.  When we look for His caring touch, when we remove the blindfold, and when we take another step along the journey he has put before us, we begin to understand that He shows up in places we may have never imagined.  And when our perspective allows us to be open to God and all He has to offer, He provides help where we least expect it.

I hope you see God in some unexpected places this week.  I pray that when you feel peace, the extension of grace, or the love from another that you don’t discount it to happenstance or coincidence.  Instead, be reminded that He is walking with you.  Be reminded that He can show up anywhere or in anyone.  And be strong in your faith so that when you want to ask is that really you, you are confident and assured that it is Him and that He showed up for you in the simplest and strangest of places!

Is That Really You?2023-05-03T17:12:35-06:00

A Lunch Invitation: Social Concerns Forum

The Social Concerns Forum is sponsoring a minority owned restaurant event on Sunday, April 16th at noon. You can read more information about the restaurant, & sign-up on the Bethany website. Descriptions about various minority-owned restaurants were obtained from Kevin Dempsey, Outreach, Jean Scott, & Judi Burfield, Jessica March, and Deb Maruyama, Social Concerns Forum.  Thanks everyone! We decided to meet at New Saigon, a restaurant that has been in Denver since 1987. New Saigon serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and they use locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. This neighborhood became home to a number of Vietnamese immigrants during the post-war years. When local businesses like this one flourish, so do the neighborhoods & communities around them. Minority owned businesses tend to hire people from their own communities. Supporting them can help to develop job opportunities and increase financial stability. We can celebrate diversity by not only supporting minority owned restaurants, but by supporting other minority owned businesses as well. For example, according to Mary Meade & Sytonia Reid in their article, 6 Reasons to Support Black Owned Businesses, “by supporting more Black owned businesses, we can create more opportunities for building meaningful savings, credit building, property ownership and generational wealth”.  Small businesses and entrepreneurs have long been wealth builders in our society. Such diversity can help build economic vitality, while offering us a wide variety of choices that we may not have previously considered. For example, it may be time for a “change in perspective” as we taste different foods that may not be familiar to us, but which are delicious & inviting nonetheless!

A Lunch Invitation: Social Concerns Forum2023-04-12T17:37:02-06:00
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