Photo courtesy of Vona Wilson.

On December 17, 2023, in Nashville, a special service was held for Iglesia Metodista Ebenezer Unida. During the service, the twelve year-old congregation was officially recognized as a Charter Church within the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the UMC.

Bishop McAlilly and Rev. Myriam Cortes. Photo courtesy of Vona Wilson.

This joyous celebration was a milestone in the life of the community, a special sign of God’s blessing. A crowd of members, supporters, and partners throughout the TWK connection gathered for worship, during which members of the congregation of all ages gave testimonies to how their faith has been formed and strengthened by Iglesia Metodista Ebenezer Unida.

From left: Rev. Myriam Cortes, Rev. Dr. Vona Wilson, Rev. Marie King, and Rev. Pat Freudenthal. Photo courtesy of Vona Wilson.

During the service, Rev. Myriam Cortes, pastor of Iglesia Metodista Ebenezer Unida, presented Bishop McAlilly with a red stole with thanksgiving and joy for his leadership in helping Ebenezer find their home in the UMC. As Pastora Cortes explained, it has been a long journey for the congregation.

“We started gathering in a house,” said Pastora Cortes, “followed by the football fields, then to congregating at 61st Avenue Church, to the Conference offices, to the facilities of Hickory Bend Church and other sister churches. We are grateful to God for where we have been and also where we are today: our home.”

Iglesia Metodista Ebenezer Unida is located at 6200 Robertson Rd., Nashville, TN 37209. Please visit their Facebook page for more!