I’ll admit it. I am not much of a “Hallmark” genre movie lover. But every so often, my wife and I will agree to watch something on that order. Last evening was one such occasion. We decided on the 2020 British comedy-drama, Love Sarah. What has this got to do with us, you ask?
The plot is simple enough. Three women, representing three generations in one family, attempt to revive a family bakery and coffee shop that had been closed for several years, located in the present day, Notting Hill section of London. With the hiring of an outstanding culinary artist and a freshly remodeled eye-appealing shop, the business almost immediately began to nose dive. That is until one day…
A Latvian deliveryman entered the shop. Asked if there was a baked item he would make a special effort to go to that Notting Hill bakery and buy, he mentioned an item not on the menu, a kringle, a tasty delight which brought back fond memories of his homeland. That’s when the “light bulb” went on. Notting Hill is a community populated by immigrants from several countries. So, the original menu of baked items was scrapped and a new one which reflected the preferences of a diverse community was adopted with great success.
Granted, there are parts of America which are homogeneous, and the churches that thrive in those areas look like the people who live there. But our nation, regardless of whether we’re comfortable with it or not, is becoming culturally and ethnically diverse. And if our churches are to fulfill their God given mission, we must find ways to connect and serve those who live around us. Oh, how do I regret “blowing off” those French and Spanish classes in middle and high school, because I could sure use a little help now.
Hidden Arrows 