A Celebration of Unity and Diversity
St Mary’s was transformed into a vibrant centre of multicultural and spiritual celebration on a beautiful Saturday evening in September. A diverse congregation of believers from numerous nationalities and languages were brought together by their shared faith and love for God for the aptly named event “Taste of All Nations.”
The evening began with a moving prayer of thanksgiving, setting a joyful tone for the festivities. Rachel Meynell led the gathering in worship, expressing deep gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon the church and its community. Her words reflected a genuine acknowledgement of God’s provision, as she invited everyone to join in the feast, reminding them that all food was a divine gift from our Heavenly Father.
As people made their way to the hall, they were greeted by an extraordinary array of culinary delights from every corner of the globe. Church members had lovingly prepared dishes that represented the unique flavours and traditions of their home countries. There was much excitement in the air as guests eagerly sampled diverse and unique mouthwatering offerings! The sense of unity was palpable as everyone came together not just to eat, but to share a true reflection of fellowship in their diversity.
The culinary journey spanned many continents, from the rich, spicy stews of Africa to the intricate, fragrant dishes of Far Eastern Asia, from the savoury offerings of Middle Eastern and South Asian kitchens to the comforting flavours of Central America. Ukrainian specialities sat alongside Iranian delicacies, demonstrating the wide variety of cultures represented that evening. Each bite seemed to carry with it the love and pride of its maker, and the atmosphere was one of warmth, generosity, and divine connection. It was more than just food; it was the embodiment of God’s love shared among his people.
While guests enjoyed drinks, tea, and a delightful array of desserts, the celebration continued with cultural performances that further highlighted the beauty of diversity within the church. Sharon Bedford and Daniel Matovu were the wonderful hosts of the evening introducing dances and songs from different nations, which were performed with much passion and joy! Robin Aghovia and Sunitha Province, who had organised the performances and dances, ensured that the evening’s entertainment reflected the vibrancy and energy of the gathered community. Several groups sang hymns in their native languages, their voices blending in harmonious worship that transcended linguistic barriers. The Nigerian choir were delightful in their rendition of well-known hymns which had the guests up on their feet dancing and singing. The guests were drawn into a shared experience of prayer and celebration, where diverse cultural expressions were not only welcomed but embraced.
As the evening drew to a close, the sounds of lively music filled the room, inviting everyone to join in a collective Mexican dance. Attendees of all ages participated with enthusiasm, creating a moment of pure joy where differences melted away and what remained was a united community, celebrating life and faith together. The energy in the room was contagious, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone regardless of their race, creed or nationality felt connected, seen and appreciated.
Taste of All Nations was not just an event; it was a profound celebration of unity through diversity, grounded in the shared love of God. It beautifully demonstrated that the love of Christ knows no cultural boundaries and that the richness of his creation is reflected in the diversity of his people. The evening was filled with unforgettable moments – delicious food, heartfelt prayers and a joyous sense of fellowship that lingered long after the last note was sung and the last plate was cleared.