Opening Ethnic Doors

by Ben Tobias with Pastor Tracey Utermahlen

A growing number of CGGC congregations have been reaching out to multiethnic groups in their communities, primarily by opening their doors to share facilities. GR Director Ben Tobias interviewed Tracey Utermahlen, pastor of the West Poplar Street Church of God (ERC), to find out what God is doing in their community.

Pastor Tracey Utermahlen

How is your church reaching out to your multiethnic neighbors?

In the beginning of 2019, our congregation met for a Dream Retreat and set goals to accomplish becoming more open and loving to the neighborhood. But what we quickly found out is, this congregation of Pastor Tracey Utermahlen mostly elderly people just didn’t have the stamina or ability to learn the language and culture. Annual block parties, and giving away freeze pops on hot Summer afternoons was not the total answer. This neighborhood of beautiful people need Godly relationships. Just like the rest of us. People need people. God provided the best answer of all! He placed a passion within the hearts of the leadership here at West Poplar Street and at Latino Ministries for the city of York. Right here, in our front yard. We welcomed Esperanza De Gloria Church of God to share the West Poplar Street Church building to further impact the multicultural neighborhood we are part of.

It is a combination of many things that led to this decision.

First – The ministry of West Poplar Street Church of God was no longer effective in the community due to the changes of the climate of the area. When the church was started in 1899, the cultural climate was industrial white/blue collar families. Today, the shift of the 1980s and 1990s have left the community in a much lower income status, different ethnicities, along with drugs, sex, and alcohol addictions. The ministry of West Poplar Street Church of God was no longer relational to the surrounding community.

Second – COVID forced the church body of WPS to stay home. The church building was mostly vacant, except on Sundays when the pastor would broadcast by ZOOM to the few Zoom attenders. The church building was certainly not being used as good stewards should use it.

Third – Latino Ministries needed a space for worship, and WPS is in a position to be able to supply that need. Plus, WPS desired to work with Latino Ministries to revitalize and reach the community. An answer to many prayers.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered? What are some of the blessings?

Since combining ministries at the WPS church building, a few challenges did come up. There was some concern about the elevated costs of utilities, and some supplies. But they were addressed and now there is a great deal of unity and acceptance among all the members and leadership of both groups.

The blessings that have come about in a mutual appreciation for the ministries of WPS and Esperanza De Gloria. While WPS is in position to help Latino Ministries, Latino Ministries help to keep the life of WPS going. WPS members are older and low energy but still desire to contribute to the community. EDG members have more stamina, vigor and can break down the barriers of communication with our neighbors.

Pastors Italo & Eva Lezama with their children

How has this relationship expanded your view of God’s kingdom?

As the WPS membership dwindled over the last few years, it became heartbreaking to watch the ministry disappear. But, with this new relationship, we see God’s Kingdom growing in so many other ways now. We’ve realized that the 13 or so WPS members who continue to meet each week are actually becoming richer with the blessings we receive.

Today, I am excited to share we not only have this growing Latino relationship with our community, but we have begun a ministry of free food and clothing for our neighborhood. All cultures are visiting us on the fourth Saturday of each month. The York Housing Authority contributes food (perishable and non-perishable) to our small food bank. And recently, we received a grant from the ERC Multiplication Commission to help with stock, advertising, and reaching more.

Esperanza De Gloria Church of God meets each Wednesday and Friday at 6:30pm and on Sundays at 12:30 for church school and worship. West Poplar Street Church of God meets each Sunday at 9:30am for Sunday school and at 10:45am for worship.