Fowler UMC embraces diverse congregation

African immigrants make up a large portion of Fowler United Methodist Church's congregation. The church offers a Swahili language service on Sunday evenings.

Section:Gallery

Wed., Sept. 4, 2019

Lay pastor Marie Mwange leads an evening Swahili service while Marcelline Mwange, left, is on hand to translate at Fowler United Methodist Church, 3928 N. Howard St., in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. Pastor Marie Mwange studied ministry and became a Methodist lay pastor while in a refugee camp in Uganda.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
A congregation listens to lay pastor Marie Mwange lead an evening Swahili service at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. When Central United Methodist Church closed in 2016 after a 140-year legacy, Fowler UMC inherited a large African congregation at their 3928 N. Howard church.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Congregation members listen to lay pastor Marie Mwange lead an evening Swahili service at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. When Central United Methodist Church closed in 2016 after a 140-year legacy, Garland District-located Fowler UMC inherited a large African congregation.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Marie Mwange (right) leads an evening Swahili service while Marceline Mwange (left) translates to English at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. When Central United Methodist Church closed in 2016 after a 140-year legacy, Garland District-located Fowler UMC inherited a large African congregation.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Marceline Mwange (left), Niyirera Therese (center) and Dorica Mwange sing after a homily in an evening Swahili service at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. When Central United Methodist Church closed in 2016 after a 140-year legacy, Garland District-located Fowler UMC inherited a large African congregation.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Marie Mwange (right) prays over translator Marceline Mwange during an evening Swahili service at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. Pastor Marie Mwange studied ministry and became a Methodist lay pastor while in a refugee camp in Uganda.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Marceline Mwange (left) translates Genesis from lay pastor Marie Mwange's homily during an evening Swahili service at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. The service was entirely in Swahili, translated line-by-line by Marceline Mwange.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review
Marceline Mwange (left), Niyirera Therese (center) and Dorica Mwange sing after a homily in an evening Swahili service at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2019. Swahili services are Sunday nights at 3928 N. Howard.

Libby Kamrowski The Spokesman-Review