Dance enhances worship at Nueva Esperanza Iglesia

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Flags, streamers, tambourines, music and dance mark the beginning of worship service each Sunday afternoon at Maricopa’s only Hispanic church, Nueva Esperanza Iglesia (New Hope Church). For congregation members, this joyous and colorful part of the service is a way to celebrate their faith while inviting the Holy Spirit to join them.
 
Pastor Pedro Cordero, who comes from Scottsdale each week to minister in Maricopa, leads his flock in prayer and the laying on of hands prior to his weekly sermon, which is given in Spanish.
 
Nueva Esperanza, a nondenominational Church of God (Iglesia de Dios), began three years ago with just four families. Today, there are 45 members, including some from Chandler and Mesa. Each year the church’s anniversary celebration lasts three days, starting on Friday and ending at the church on Sunday.
 
Guest speakers from countries like El Salvador and Columbia are featured. Until recently the congregation met at Pima Butte Elementary School; now they share facilities with Community of Hope Church on Porter Road.
 
“The church is extremely grateful to Rusty and Lisa Akers for their generosity in having us under their wings,” said Grace Granillo, who heads up Nueva Esperanza’s youth ministry. “They have given us a place to come and worship our awesome Lord.”
 
Dancing for the Lord
Seven dancers perform each Sunday, wearing long white, green or red satin gowns adorned with seasonal decorations. Intricacies of the dance are passed down from older members to the young girls in the congregation, and the group practices for three hours each Saturday to prepare for their part in the worship service. Vicky de Leon and the pastor’s wife, Ana, are the instructors. Other dancers include Sonia Cordero, Nancy de Leon, Jajaira and Jennifer Zazveta, Dagmara Medero and Brittany Perez. Five more women and girls are in training.
 
“Anyone who is interested in dancing for the Lord is welcome to learn,” Granillo said.
 
In addition to Sunday worship, the congregation meets at a member’s home each Wednesday evening to honor special prayer requests and pray for all other churches and the city of Maricopa. On Fridays evenings, Cordero teaches on various topics.
 
“Right now his teaching is on how to be a leader in the church,” Granillo said.
 
Nueva Esperanza also sponsors events around Maricopa, including retreats for youth, couples and families, as well as conferences for men and women. Members of the congregation may choose to participate in part or all of Daniel’s Fast, which takes place twice a year for 40 days.
 
“Every first of the month we also fast for seven days, and this may be done by just fasting for one meal a day,” Granillo said.
 
Vigilia, an all night prayer session, takes place twice a year.
 
After the first of the year, Nueva Esperanza’s services will be translated from Spanish to English.
 
“We are a church that God has directed to Maricopa for the Hispanic community,” said Cordero. “We cordially invite you to visit us to see the miracles God does in our lives.”

Photo by Joyce Hollis