b'6 AlumniBuilding a Telugu Language Congregation in RichmondThe fastest-growing foreign language spoken in the U.S. is one youvetheres a cultural element of the probably not heard of: Telugu (pronounced tele like telephone plusway were groomed in our faith goo). The third-most-spoken language in India, and the third-most-spokenback in India. For us, its almost Indian language in the U.S., its the mother tongue for more than 96 millionnostalgic to experience a feeling people who live in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.of community in our faith away Telugu is actually the worlds 14th-most-spoken languagespoken byfrom home, and it evokes a strong feeling of belonging and togetherness.more people than some languages were more familiar with and evenNalla says spreading the word about the Telugu service is the most teach in American schools, like Korean (16th), German (19th), French (20th),important way to support its growth. He visits local families and hosts and Italian (23rd). house prayer meetings to help families stay in touch and get engaged. He is Here in Richmond, theres a large, vibrant Telugu community that nowworking on ideas for more community outreach, like a Telugu food festival has the opportunity to worship in a place that celebrates not only thethat would feature such favorites as biriyani, chicken 65, puri, samosas, Telugu language, but also its rich and unique cultural heritage. In June,vada, and gulab jamun. He also hopes moving the service to Saturdays Second Baptist Church added Telugu to its trio of language ministries, whichwill encourage more families to attend, without the pressure of having to includes Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese. Union Presbyterian Seminarydetach from churches where they are established or trying to attend two alumnus Paul Nalla (Th.M. 23), who is himself Telugu, is not only leadingSunday services. the new congregation, but hopes to also lead the way to welcome moreEventually, Nalla would like to expand to a multilingual Indian worship Telugu families to find their home away from home in worship. service during which other Indian language groups can come together ForNalla,thebeautyofand where everyone can feel welcomed in worship. Nalla also speaks the service is blending TeluguHindi, the most-spoken language in India, and Deepthi also speaks the culture with Baptist tradition.Indian languages of Tamil and Kannada. Beyond that, he has a vision for He explains that the worshipworship welcoming and catering to the spiritual needs of the entire Indian service is all in the Telugusubcontinent, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.language, but other elementsWe are so grateful and thankful for what God has done with us in this ofworshipfollowIndianplace, he says of himself and Deepthi, also expressing gratitude to Pastor tradition. Telugus have theirNoel Schoonmaker and everyone at Second Baptist. Missionaries traveled own ways of singing, and theto India three centuries ago and the gospel came to India. Now we have hymns were written by thecome back to the U.S. to work here. It is a blessing to be here and engaged Telugu people and are sungin this ministry. And Deepthi and I are working together, rejoicing in the in an Indian way, he says, sharing that Telugu is a beautiful language thatLord and each others presence as we serve God.has been described as the Italian of the East because every word and everyNalla asks for prayers to support this ministrythat it becomes a blessing sentence ends with a vowel sound. Its not just the singing. We embraceto many families around Richmond who need it, that it can help children the full cultural experience. We have cultural music, our Indian culture isand adults who only speak the language to learn to read the Bible in reflected in how we dress, and we serve Indian snacks and chai tea. Telugu in order to connect with their language and their faith in new Nalla and his wife, Deepthi (Th.M. 23), also Telugu, were raised in India,ways, and that by celebrating Indian married in 2019, and moved to the U.S. in 2022 to both attend UPSem.language and culture it will help future He says he believes God was leading them and opening ways for themgenerations keep their language and to bring their community together here. We talked and prayed abouttraditions alive.it for almost a year, he says. Most Telugus are good with English, but ALUMNI STORIESDr. Jean Love, M.A.C.E.PSCE 63A lifelong Presbyterian raised by a fathermore than send a check, she says. Its essential to be involved and have who was a ruling elder and a mother whoan ongoing relationship, to live it out with your people in the congregation.was a deacon, Dr. Jean Love has built herLove is excited about the future for UPSems Center for Excellence in life and her career around the church andChristian Education and is hopeful for its continued growth, success, and her passion for Christian education. Thoughimpact. Theres a real need out there because of the reduction in resources its been her heart and her focus for mostand curriculum available for Christian education, she says. One center at of her 85 years, she has seen many changesone seminary cannot meet the needs of the whole denomination, but it inChristianeducationovertimeandcan model to the church ways in which it can be done in todays modern recognizes that its perhaps more importantworld, and we need to embrace that and spread a kind of movement to now than ever. If we dont do a better jobbring focus to education.of educating congregations, we will notToday what gives Love the most joy is witnessing others living out their have worshippers or disciples in the future,own commitments to God and the church at UPSem. Its promising to see she cautions.people, especially younger generations, answer their call to use their gifts, An active donor, volunteer, and valuedand realize that, no matter our age, we all have gifts were called to share, member of Union Presbyterian Seminarys Charlotte community, Love isshe says. Its a joy to be around people who work together and share a excited to see a resurgence in the importance of Christian education atvision, a varied and colorful vision of making a differencewhich is what UPSem, and finds it rewarding to play a part in helping the Seminarywere all called to do.bringitsvisiontolife.ShespendstimeatUPSempartlydueto proximityshe lives with her husband, Buddy, at a senior living facility across the street but mostly due to her deep commitment to service. I choose to be part of the Seminary where I feel fulfilled and can make aCheck out the Facebook UPSem Alumni private meaningful contribution, she says. Its important to me to do somethinggroup. Search Union Presbyterian Seminary Alumni more purposeful with my time than play cards. and ask to join today.As a volunteer and contributor, Love is living her commitment to Godhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/UPSemAlumniand the church. To me, to be a donor in Christian education means you do Sharon & Brook 2024 FALL ISSUE'