Spanish service will highlight Three Kings Day
By GAYLE WEBER
Lory Herrick saw a need that wasn't being met in the region from Hays to Salina, so beginning earlier this month, she decided to fill the gap.
Herrick led the first church service in Spanish at Assembly of God Calvary Chapel in Russell on Dec. 6. She plans a similar service Sunday, but this time it will focus on the upcoming Three Kings Day, a holiday especially observed by Hispanics, Herrick said.
"We're trying to reach all the communities and counties around Russell in a 45-mile radius, so that includes Hays," Herrick said.
In Hays, the First Baptist Church and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church are the only churches to offer weekly services in Spanish.
Herrick leads the Spanish-speaking service in Russell and said religious affiliations do not matter. Her goal is to reach the region's Hispanic population that might be better served with church services in their native language.
"It's hard work, but we want to help," said Herrick, who was born in the U.S., but raised in Spanish-speaking Puerto Rico.
Her first service drew 14 people, a turnout she was pleased with considering it was icy the day of the service. However, she's hoping to attract more to Sunday's service.
"It's kind of like Christmas so the kids are getting toys and we have school supplies for them also," Herrick said.
Three Kings Day is observed on Jan. 6 as the traditional end of the 12 Days of Christmas when children receive gifts.
To celebrate it Sunday, Herrick will be giving away items to children as well as having a drawing for a new bicycle for one child. Groceries also will be given to families attending the service.
"It's a fun day and also to remember when the three kings came to see baby Jesus and they brought gifts to him," Herrick said.
She will continue Spanish-speaking services on the first Sunday of each month through April. She plans to begin conducting weekly Spanish services in April.
The Dia de Reyes service begins at 3 p.m. Sunday at Assembly of God Calvary Church, 540 Ober St., Russell.