Cultural Exchange Potluck

This September, Two Rivers UMC will once again open its doors — and its hearts — to a group of young travelers from halfway around the world. From September 15–17, Pastor John and Latrice will welcome teenage members of Suvartukas, a Lithuanian folk dance, music, and song ensemble, into their home as part of an ongoing international cultural exchange program. The students, ages 17 and 18, are touring the United States through the Golden Gates Cultural Exchange, presented by the Reunite Cultures Fund (RCF).

Who is Suvartukas?

Suvartukas is the oldest folk ensemble in its home town and region, tracing its roots back to 1947, when eight girls in national dress first danced together in Plungė. Today the group includes dancers, singers, and a live folk orchestra performing on traditional instruments — reed-pipes, panpipes, violin, contrabass, accordion, trumpet, clarinet, and drums. Their repertoire draws on the folklore of the Samogitian region of Lithuania: dances performed in wooden clogs, shepherds' games, and lively polkas, all presented in handcrafted national costume. In 2007, Suvartukas received Lithuania's "Golden Bird" award as the country's best amateur ensemble, and the group has since carried its music and dance to festivals in more than twenty countries.

The Mission of Reunite Cultures Fund

The Reunite Cultures Fund exists to connect the world through cultural and friendship exchange. Through its Golden Gates Cultural Ambassadors Program, RCF brings youth ensembles from around the globe to communities across America for multi-week tours — giving host families and their neighbors a firsthand encounter with another culture's music, dance, food, and traditions. The goal is simple and lasting: to build goodwill and understanding between the people of America and the people of other nations, one host family, one shared meal, and one performance at a time.

A Decade of Hospitality

Pastor John and Latrice have opened their home to RCF's traveling students for more than ten years, hosting group after group of young cultural ambassadors from around the world. Their home has become, in a very real sense, a small embassy of goodwill — and this September, that ministry of hospitality continues with the young musicians and dancers of Suvartukas.

You're Invited: International Potluck Dinner

To celebrate the visit — and to give the whole congregation a chance to meet these remarkable young artists — Two Rivers UMC will hold an International Potluck Dinner on Wednesday, September 16, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the pastor's home. Every family is invited to bring a dish that represents their own heritage, so our table becomes its own small tour of the world. The evening will include shared food and conversation, along with sharing of culture, music, and dancing from the Suvartukas ensemble.

We know a Wednesday evening asks a lot on a school night and in the middle of a workweek — so please come for as long as you're able. Even an hour of your evening will mean a great deal to these young travelers, and to Pastor John and Latrice, who have made this ministry a part of their lives for over a decade. SIGN UP and let us know you are coming.

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Learn more about Reunite Cultures Fund:

Website: www.ReuniteCulturesFund.org

Facebook: facebook.com/RCFGoldenGates

YouTube (RCF Golden Gates): youtube.com/goldengatesrcf

YouTube (RotarianBlog): youtube.com/@RotarianBlog