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Bethel Worship and Teaching Center

Intercultural Workshop Nourishes Intercultural Exchange and Community

May 1, 2025 by Cindy Angela

by Sam Charles

Nutrition plays a vital role in human existence, providing the essential vitamins and energy needed for the body’s proper functioning. Acknowledging the importance of nutrition in sustaining human life, God created the necessary resources for sustenance before the creation of humankind. 

This idea is affirmed by the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NLT). Beyond its nutritional value, food serves as a catalyst for social and intercultural bonds. The way food is prepared, served, and shared—whether on the floor or at a table —represents cultural practices that reflect the traditions and customs of different communities. 

For example, Haitian and Jamaican cuisines bear notable similarities, but differ considerably from those of other populations. Food can act as both a unifier and a point of distinction between groups. Family meals, national celebrations, and religious feasts are all instrumental in passing down cultural values from one generation to the next. Food thus plays a role in both celebrating cultural diversity and encouraging cross-cultural interaction. 

Sharing a meal with individuals from different cultural backgrounds is a dynamic medium for fostering communal bonds, cultivating friendship, and facilitating intercultural exchange. Such shared meals encourage the acceptance of diverse identities and practices, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding. 

On Saturday, March 22, members of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA) and the Haitian congregation Bethel Worship and Teaching Center (Levittown, PA) collaborated to offer food as part of an extraordinary intercultural encounter. The event melded elements of Indonesian, Haitian, and American cultures, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and practices.  

The workshop discussions centered on the dynamics of power and seeking understanding of differing perspectives. The event culminated in a shared meal, fostering a sense of communal harmony, understanding, and lack of judgement among participants from diverse cultures.  

The event provided a valuable opportunity for Americans, Haitians, and Indonesians to engage in meaningful dialogue and mutual learning. The event also served to promote the principles of love, as exemplified by Jesus, and to embrace our neighbors, thereby achieving the unity in diversity articulated by Paul in Galatians 3:28, NIV, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 


Sam Charles

Sam Charles is the pastor of Bethel Worship and Teaching Center in Levittown, PA and a member of Mosaic’s Intercultural Committee.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org. 

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Bethel Worship and Teaching Center, Indonesian Light Church, intercultural, Ripple Church, Salford Mennonite Church, Sam Charles

Congregational Profile – Bethel Worship and Teaching Center

October 24, 2024 by Cindy Angela

by Jennifer Svetlik

Editor’s note: Bethel Worship and Teaching Center was approved by Mosaic’s board as a member congregation and will be welcomed at Mosaic’s Assembly on November 2, 2024.    

Bethel Worship and Bible Teaching Center (Levittown, PA) was born in the basement of the home of Pastor Samuel Charles three years ago.  

Formerly a co-pastor of Solidarité et Harmonie (Solidarity & Harmony) in Philadelphia, PA, Charles prayed about whether he was called to start a new congregation. 

In January 2023, the immigrant families who had regularly gathered were able to move into a former church building for their worship service. In addition to Sunday worship, which often includes a fellowship meal, there is a Friday bible study that meets on Zoom.  

Worship is in Haitian Creole, and there is a thriving children’s program in English. The church offers a place for recent immigrants to build networks, find jobs, and become more integrated into U.S. society. They hope to start an ESL program. 

“The primary reasons our congregation desires to become a member of Mosaic Mennonite Conference are that we intend to formally align ourselves with the Conference, and we desire to advance the teaching of Jesus Christ and the tenets of Anabaptist theology within the Haitian community,” shares Pastor Sam Charles. 

Bethel invites the intercessory prayers of Mosaic Conference congregations, especially for the spiritual wellbeing of Bethel and for the leaders to receive God’s wisdom and make a positive impact on the community. They also ask for prayers that the congregation might be able to acquire the building that they currently occupy.  

“The long-term objective for Bethel is to facilitate positive change within the community,” Pastor Charles adds. “We hope the church can have a significant, beneficial impact on those in need of spiritual guidance, and that those who are currently lacking in such support will be encouraged to embrace the teachings of Christ. The aim is to establish a presence within the Haitian community where the teachings of the Bible and practice of worship are held in high regard.” 

The Bethel congregation gathers to celebrate their 3rd Anniversary in October 2024. Photo by Stephen Kriss. 

Jennifer Svetlik

Jennifer is Editor & Development Coordinator for Mosaic. She grew up near Houston, TX and spent a decade living in intentional community in Washington DC, before moving to Lansdale, PA with her spouse, Sheldon Good. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and Washington Theological Seminary. She serves as Children’s Faith Formation Director at Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA). Jenn has two elementary-school-aged children and loves biking, camping, gardening, and vermicomposting with her family. 

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Bethel Worship and Teaching Center

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