December 2011 Clausura (what’s that??)

Tonight we had our December "clausura" at the community centre in Jesús María.

What in the world is that?!

A clausura (say clow-SOO-ra) is a closing program.  The fall set of classes at the community centre is finished, and at the close of each set of classes we have a special closing program.

Tonight we had some games for English class, and we sang a couple of Christmas songs.  We saw some country dancing.

  There were special presentations for everyone who participated in various classes, including basketball and baking class.  There was a demonstration from the drum class.

Afterwards there was ponche and corn dogs – what a combination! 🙂

Why in the world do you do that?!

Clausuras are a great chance to get to know people in the community.  Sometimes we meet family and friends of people who are in community centre classes.  Sometimes we meet people who just happen to be walking by. 🙂

It’s a great way to end a series of classes with a bang, and recognize students that have been working hard.  There’s usually an opportunity to share God’s Word in some way, as we did tonight by sharing the Christmas story and giving out some Gospels of Matthew.

How did it go?

Very well!  Our new community centre director, Tina, did a great job getting everything organized.  We didn’t have a lot to do tonight, although I played keyboard for the songs.  But it was good to spend some time with new and old friends.

Everyone will be taking a bit of a break from community centre activities over Christmas.  Then we’ll be starting a new set of classes later in January.  The next set of classes will end just before Holy Week, so there will be more opportunities to share about why Jesus came.

The community centre has been a great opportunity to make friends, and to offer services that actually help the community in various ways.  Thanks to those of you who have been a part of it! 🙂

The Clausura Crowds assembled for the program
Jesús María, Ixtapaluca, Mexico City