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Welcome to the melting pot

A multicultural, charismatic church in Dade City appeals to people of many backgrounds and tastes. Speaking of tastes, an ethnic feast is offered Sunday.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published January 20, 2007

DADE CITY - Seeing the diverse population at his young church in June was a blessing for youth pastor Luke Miller, who serves at the Crossroads of Dade City.

"It is so cool," the 24-year-old Pittsburgh native said.

There is total acceptance at his church, he said, regardless of race or status.

"There is no discrimination," said Miller, a graduate of Indiana Bible College. "Our purpose is to be Jesus to the world."

On Sunday, the church at 37133 Clinton Ave., which turns 2 in February, will celebrate its second annual Taste of Crossroads, where members share their favorite recipes depicting their cultural backgrounds.

Stephen Nix, a missionary to Nicaragua, will speak at the 11 a.m. service. He and his wife, Yvonne, accepted relocation from the missionary field in Argentina to Managua, Nicaragua, in 1996. The country had just emerged from 20 years of civil war, economic ruin and military dictatorship. As a missionary supervisor, he directs the Nicaraguan Bible school and travels weekly to preach at more than 150 Pentecostal churches across Nicaragua. Yvonne Nix teaches third grade at the American School in Managua. They have four children and three grandchildren.

About noon, immediately after the service, there will be a covered-dish dinner on the grounds, under tents, to celebrate the church's diversity.

"Last year we had 20 tables set up," church secretary Bethany Hicks said. Among the offerings were Amish delicacies, Italian cuisine, New England clam chowder, chips and hamburgers from the United States, and soul food, including fried chicken cooked by African-Americans in the congregation.

The 150-member church consists of people with Mexican, Colombian, German, Italian, American Indian and African-American backgrounds, blending with the mixed heritage of others.

"People will be bringing their favorite dishes from their culture," Miller said.

Hicks said that when she came to Crossroads fresh out of college, she was amazed by the church, which is led by the Rev. Greg Sims.

"When I came almost 18 months ago there were only 15 members, and they represented three or four different cultures," she said. "You can't walk into too many churches and see that kind of love. I believe that is why we have grown so quickly."

IF YOU GO

Taste of Crossroads

The church will serve a diverse dinner on the grounds about noon Sunday at 37133 Clinton Ave., Dade City. For information call (352) 521-6767.

[Last modified January 19, 2007, 23:44:53]