Remembering What Has Been Accomplished: La Colmena

Jardín de mujeres            Garden of women
Modelos de madres         Exemplary mothers
Sueños de amigas            Dreams of friends
Hecho realidad                Made real
- Excerpt from "Canción a la Colmena" (An ode to the Beehive) by Ambrosia

This past month at Congregacion Olaus Petri in Obera, Argentina,  there was a big celebration for the 90th anniversary of La Colmena. This is the senior women's group that forms an essential part of the weekly events of the church. In Spanish, 'la colmena' means 'the beehive'. The group formed at the beginning of the 19th century, when Swedish immigrant women came together with the goal of caring for the most vulnerable members of their community.

Photos and Flowers cover the walls at Olaus Petri for the 90th Anniversary of La Colmena

The group was originally called 'Verdandi' after a goddess from Norse mythology. 'Verdandi' is part of the trio that decides the fates, controlling the 'present' or 'that which is happening'. I think the original name is fitting for new immigrants trying to adapt and adjust to their new surroundings. In an uncertain world they wanted to be a force for good, aiding those who were down on their luck.

Members of the Verdandi- later renamed La Colmena- circa 1930s

However, the name La Colmena really encompasses how these women work within the church today. Every time the church gathers, you'll find these ladies buzzing around. They fix coffee and tea, cook for others, and decorate the worship space. They greet me like grandmothers, saying "How are you, my love/my heart/beautiful?" They can always be counted on to organize a fundraiser for the church construction project. Currently, they are 'godmothers' for the town's school for the deaf. Some of these women have spent over 50 years in the group. Many followed in footsteps of grandmothers, mothers, aunts and friends to become part of La Colmena themselves.

Our celebration included a worship service dedicated to La Colmena, movie and PowerPoint presentation about the history of Obera and the congregation, a raffle, and potluck dinner ('cena de canasta'). It was a beautiful testament to the enduring sisterhood of 'La Colmena' and all that these women have contributed to the community.

Professional performer and friend Loreley Benitez-Kitegroski entertains with "Que no caiga la fé" during worship

I think having a church that is forward-thinking, one that recognizes it's work in the world is never done, is important. On the other hand, another vital part of being a church body is remembering how far you've come together. The community of Olaus Petri has gone through difficult times just like any other church. However, you'd never know that by watching people's faces light up when they saw a loved one- or a younger version of themselves- during the PowerPoint.

This kind of remembering is a prayer of thanksgiving to God. It is a thank you for always accompanying us on the journey, for giving us a million reasons to be grateful. It is also a chance to thank the many hands that make up La Colmena. These are hands that God entrusted with His holy work in Olaus Petri and the greater community of Obera. Thanks to La Colmena, there are female "bees" putting things in motion and caring for the congregation.

Chaucito,
Ann Emilie