What began as a simple space-sharing arrangement between St. Hilda St. Patrick’s and All Saints Goshen in Edmonds has blossomed into a vibrant and evolving partnership that’s redefining community and faith connections.
The predominantly Anglo congregation of St. Hilda St. Patrick’s gathers for worship at 10:00 am, followed by All Saints Goshen, a congregation largely comprising Kenyan immigrants, at noon. While the two churches initially operated independently, sharing the same space led to spontaneous connections and, eventually, joint community initiatives.
The partnership took root when The Rev. Paul Karume of All Saints Goshen met with The Rev. Joseph Peters-Mathews of St. Hilda St. Patrick’s to discuss sharing worship space. All Saints Goshen, being the third site for Kenyan Anglicans based on community growth, found a welcoming home at St. Hilda St. Patrick’s. Despite minimal formal interaction at first, members from both congregations expressed an interest in fostering deeper relationships.
Kim Bender Petit, a newer member of St. Hilda St. Patrick’s, observed the potential for connection and took proactive steps. She initiated casual conversations with All Saints Goshen members and floated the idea of a joint community meal. What started as an idea quickly grew into reality, thanks to the enthusiastic support from both congregations.
A joint community cookout became the catalyst for deeper engagement. Coordinated through the efforts of leaders like Nelly from All Saints Goshen and supported by both pastors, the event brought together 34 volunteers from both congregations. Generous donations, both monetary and in-kind, fueled the event’s success, drawing 134 attendees, including 54 who joined spontaneously on the day of the cookout.
“The event was more than just a meal,” said Petit. “It was a beautiful expression of shared purpose, faith, and community spirit.”
Activities like face painting not only entertained but also created meaningful interactions. Petit’s 14-year-old daughter, for example, stepped out of her comfort zone to assist, growing more confident as the day progressed.
The partnership has enriched both congregations in unexpected ways. The shared Holy Week services, which included participation from both St. Hilda St. Patrick’s and All Saints Goshen, along with St. Alban’s, Edmonds, marked a significant milestone. For Deacon Moses of All Saints Goshen, it was his first deep engagement with Holy Week services, inspiring him to plan for more involvement in the future.
“The shared menu at the cookout was a testament to our cultural diversity and common humanity,” noted The Rev. Peters-Mathews. “And hearing All Saints’ exuberant worship reminds us of the breadth of Anglican tradition.”
Looking ahead, both congregations aspire to deepen their partnership. Dreams include not just occasional joint events but regular collaboration, especially during significant church observances like Holy Week and Easter.
“My hope is for us to see each other as siblings in Christ,” said Petit. “Through outreach, shared ministry, and joint worship, we can enrich our congregations and serve our broader community.”
The Rev. Peters-Mathews echoed this sentiment: “Share your space and build relationships. It’s through working together in God’s love that we can truly change the world.”
So very excited to hear about this! God bless this venture every day. Mark Miller