May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States are acknowledged and celebrated. Seminary of the Southwest had the opportunity to begin a few days early, with the privilege to extend hospitality to 40 Asian Pacific American leaders of the Episcopal Church on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
The Rt. Rev. Allen K. Shin, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of New York, presided and preached at the community Eucharist. In his sermon on John 6:44-51, where Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” Bishop Shin beautifully reminded us that bread, an ordinary, everyday food, can become an extraordinary gift when we follow Jesus’s self-sacrificial, redemptive love. “As ‘bao,’ bread in Chinese, means a package with a treasure in it, our bread has the most precious treasure, Jesus Christ, in it,” said Bishop Shin.
“For Seminary of the Southwest, it was a time to live out our commitment to hospitality and beloved community,” said the Rev. Dr. Jeehei Park, assistant professor of New Testament.
The group joined the seminary community at the community dinner. During dinner, the Rt. Rev. Prince G. Singh, Bishop of Dioceses of Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, thanked the seminary for hospitality and shared encouraging words. He reminded those in attendance that this is the best time to serve the church and there are still many things we all can do for Christ.
“The group appreciated the opportunity to visit and learn more about the seminary,” said Park. “Much gratitude to Dean Kittredge and her office, and Ashley Croshaw, our Associate Director of Operations, for their support. I also thank the Rev. Hope Benko, Vice President for Enrollment, for leading a wonderful campus tour for the group.”
Continuing the the observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Southwest will host a special community initiated service on Thursday May 4, 2023. The Rev. Chanta Bhan, currently serving at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, will be preaching and presiding. Community dinner will be featured by Chi’lantro, a Korean BBQ-inspired food truck. All are welcome to join this service at 5:30pm.
