The Portland-based Sudanese organization, Aserela, will join Williston West United Church of Christ in sponsoring a multi-cultural evening entitled Bridge Building on the evening of Saturday, September 27th from 5:30 until 8:00 . The event will take place at the church, located at 32 Thomas Street in Portland’s West End. Delicious home cooked food and festive African and American music and dance are planned for the informal evening. Tickets must be reserved by calling Melissa Knoll (772-1119) by September 21st. The cost is $12 per individual or $20 per couple or family (parents and their children 12 and under). Proceeds will support Aserela’s plans for a youth employment program being set up to operate out of Kennedy Park.

ASERELA has been working to establish a permanent school in Southern Sudan, where refugees are returning to communities in a war torn region. But now the Portland based organization is adding a new focus –- that of bringing the Sudanese communities here in Portland together across traditional lines to meet the needs of local youth, many of whom lack the skills needed to seek and find employment.

ASERELA was founded in 1994 in Maine to organize and build self-reliance among Sudanese refugees. It has worked to build philanthropic support among refugees that have settled in Maine as well as American-born friends with the purpose originally of assisting refugees in Kiryadongo, Uganda. ASERELA is committed to nourishing the mind, body, and spirit of Sudanese children in refugee camps, Southern Sudan and Maine, instilling in them a sense of self-reliance; self esteem, and hope.

Williston West United Church of Christ has a long tradition of thinking globally and acting locally. The Congregation is open and affirming, green, and active in a variety of local and global efforts to foster justice and peace. It’s pastor is the Reverend Gina Finocchiaro