Nigeria Day at Christ Church

October 1st is Nigerian Independence Day.  What's that got to do with ministry in Mexico?  Here at Christ Church, an international Christian community, we have about a dozen or so active members who come from Nigeria.  Here are the core group of them, dressed in traditional garb for the festivities:

Since we have already celebrated US Independence Day, Canada Day, and the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth I of the United Kingdom, it only made sense to celebrate the special day of the homeland of another group of our members. 

And what a celebration it was!  Far more than the usual number of Nigerians came to worship on Sunday -- there were thirty or forty of them -- including the ambassador...who at the last moment was invited to be the lector.  Here he is with the rector following the service:

 

Not only did the Ambassador read the scriptures on Sunday, he also asked to address the congregation 'briefly' at the end of the service.  Then we had prayers of Thanksgiving for Nigeria and the Nigerians in Mexico, and then we sang the Nigerian national anthem.  (It is short and to the point -- unlike the Mexican national anthem which, while musically interesting, is about as simple to sing as an operatic aria!)  The choir, as usual, rose to the occasion, offering some African music, including the Sanctus from the Missa Luba.  

This being an Anglican Church, naturally we had refreshments following the service.  Actually, it wasn't just refreshments, we had a lavish African feast, with plenty to eat and drink. 

 

They had also brought in a recorded music, so there was dancing, too.  I believe the style, a fusion of traditional African melody and rhythm with American Jazz and funk, is known as Afrobeat. Anyway, it was African, and it had a beat...