Windermere Union shares building with Brazilian congregation

A new Brazilian congregation has found a home at Windermere Union Church, in Windermere. Igreja Presbiteriana Viva held its first Portuguese-language service Saturday, June 20, with the Rev. Juliano Rodriques Viana at the pulpit.

The church is using the sanctuary for services and other activities from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays. Several children’s classrooms in the preschool building will also be available for use. Life groups are meeting at the church during the week.

Last month, the Brazilian church signed a one-year lease with an option to renew. It is not affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA.

The pastor said his church was inaugurated this year, and although he currently is leading a small group of about 10 people, he’s hopeful that they can grow.

The church’s headquarters are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where it was established in 1993. Today, many more churches have been started in Brazilian cities, as well as in Africa and Europe, Viana said.

“Our church is interested in spreading the gospel to the Brazilian community, speaking their language and culture,” Viana said. “We chose Windermere because we believe we can develop a great job with the Brazilian community around that area.”

This is not the first time Windermere Union has opened its doors to another church congregation. It previously leased facility space to a small United Methodist church called New Hope, and a woman rented space at the church’s old and new locations for a school for special-needs children.

“Windermere Union Church is thrilled to be able to support the Igreja Presbiteriana Viva,” said Pastor Luis Perez. “Needless to say, to support them — as we have supported other ministries, new churches and community groups — is in our congregation’s DNA. We’re honored to be partners in ministry.”

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].