Historic Moment: St. Christopher's, Roseville Launches Hmong-Language Church Service

The Twin Cities' growing Hmong community reached a significant milestone last Saturday as St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Roseville hosted its inaugural Hmong-language worship service, marking the establishment of a new Hmong Episcopal worshipping community.

Nearly 100 worshippers of all ages filled the sanctuary, creating a vibrant tapestry of generations united in faith and cultural heritage. From grandparents who came to the US decades ago to young families raising third-generation Hmong-Americans, the diverse congregation represented the full spectrum of the community's journey in Minnesota.

Rev. Toua Vang led the historic service with support from St. Christopher's Rector, Rev. Randy Johnson, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that made this moment possible. The anointing service seamlessly blended the Hmong and English languages, creating a worship experience that honored both faith traditions and cultural identity.

"This to us is more than just a new worship service," explained Rev. Vang. "It's about creating a spiritual home where our Hmong neighbors can worship in their heart’s language while maintaining their deep cultural connections."

Rev. Vang preached on Jesus’ teaching on being the light and the salt of the earth. He reiterated that followers of Jesus need to be watchful not to lose their taste and always strive to be the light of God in a world marked by divisions.

The new worshiping community joins two other established Hmong faith communities in the Twin Cities, reflecting the community's growth and evolving spiritual needs. With Minnesota being home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the United States, the addition of this new worshiping community addresses the increasing demand for culturally relevant worship opportunities.

The service aligns perfectly with Bishop Craig Loya's ongoing commitment to multicultural ministries throughout the diocese. This initiative represents part of a broader effort to ensure that all communities have access to worship in ways that honor their linguistic and cultural traditions.

For many attendees, the service represented a homecoming of sorts. "My children can now hear the gospel in Hmong and understand their heritage in a deeper way," shared Teng Lo after the service. "This connects us to our roots while strengthening our faith."

The multigenerational attendance particularly highlighted the service's significance. Elder members of the community, some of whom may be more comfortable worshipping in Hmong, sat alongside teenagers and young adults, creating bridges across age groups and cultural experiences.

Rev. Johnson emphasized that while the service is conducted in Hmong, the church welcomes anyone interested in learning about Hmong culture and faith traditions. "Our doors are open to all who seek to worship and understand," he noted.

The establishment of this new congregation reflects broader trends in American Christianity, where immigrant communities are creating spaces that honor both their faith and cultural heritage. These churches serve as more than worship centers - they become community hubs that preserve language, traditions, and connections across generations.

As the Twin Cities continue to evolve as a multicultural metropolitan area, initiatives like this Hmong-language service demonstrate how religious institutions can adapt to serve diverse populations while maintaining their core mission of spiritual care and community building.

The success of this inaugural service suggests a bright future for the new congregation, with plans already underway for regular weekly services and community programs that will further strengthen the bonds within the Twin Cities Hmong community.