Presbyterian News Service

SOAP gathers Christian educators in Puerto Rico for bilingual APCE review

Network’s first island-based gathering blends worship, learning and relationships across languages and regions

Bilingual expressions of hopes for children at APCE's SOAP 2026

Hope for the children is expressed in English and Spanish at APCE’s SOAP event in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miatta Wilson)

Christian educators from the South Atlantic and Puerto Rico (Boriquén) Synods gathered April 9–11 at La Tercera Iglesia Presbiteriana in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, for the biennial regional meeting of SOAP, the synod-based network connected to the Association of Partners in Christian Education.

The gathering marked the first time the SOAP event was held on the island and brought together participants from Puerto Rico and the continental United States for shared meals and worship and workshops conducted in both English and Spanish. The hum of simultaneous interpretation, music led by the host congregation and conversations flowing across tables set the tone for a gathering shaped by hospitality and connection.

“This was a life-giving, affirming, fully bilingual faith formation event,” said ruling elder Vilmarie Cintrón‑Olivieri, a member of the planning team and a U.S.-based Global Ecumenical Liaison for Presbyterian Life & Witness. “We worked intentionally to ensure everyone had a place at the table, grounded in the hospitality of La Tercera Iglesia Presbiteriana en Aguadilla and its pastor, the Rev. Osvaldo Montalvo Nazario.”

Two women standing at communion table facing each other smiling

^{Ruling elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (left) and the Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin (Photo by Kara Wheeler).}

Cintrón‑Olivieri said keynote speaker Cyrus‑Franklin, who directs the Around the Table initiative for the Office of Christian Formation, set the tone early in the gathering by reframing how faith formation is practiced.

“She invited us to see faith formation as something living. When she asked, ‘If a young person followed you for a week, where would they see your faith being lived?’ I believe they would see it lived at this SOAP gathering in Aguadilla.”

Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, ruling elder and U.S.-based global ecumenical liaison with Presbyterian Life & Witness

The Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin was the keynote speaker at the APCE-SOAP event in Aguadilla, Puerto, Rico. (Photo by Cheryl Carson) | Credit: Cheryl Carson

_{The Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin was the keynote speaker at the APCE-SOAP event in Aguadilla, Puerto, Rico. (Photo by Cheryl Carson)}

The backs of a group of people standing during worship in a bright chapel

^{Bilingual worship is held at APCE’s SOAP gathering in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Miatta Wilson)}

Two seated women at a table with sets of headphones look straightforward smiling

^{Interpreters Carmen Kortright and Cynthia del Moral (Photo by Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri)}

“It was a true joy to learn together and worship alongside one another in both English and Spanish. Having interpretation services on site made the collaboration and connection among participants even greater. It was a beautiful thing.”

Lauren Rogers, associate for Stewardship and Funds Development

The Rev. CeCe Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly (center), stands with staff members of Presbyterian Life & Witness who attended the SOAP-APCE event. (Photo by Cheryl Carson) Sandra Miranda Duverge, associate for Financial Aid for Servi | Credit: Cheryl Carson

^{The Rev. CeCe Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly (center), stands with staff members of Presbyterian Life & Witness who attended the SOAP-APCE event. (Photo by Cheryl Carson).}

"The APCE SOAP event in Aguadilla was a time of beautiful connection "Around the Table"... To listen to stories in Spanish and English as we talked about how to support and equip parents and caregivers for conversations of faith at home was life giving.

Miatta Wilson, associate for the Office of Christian Formation for Presbyterian Life & Witness

A woman stands behind a table with pamphlets while another woman leans down to read a pamphlet

Siblings of La Tercera Iglesia Presbiteriana, the host church of the APCE. SOAP gathering in 2026

Siblings at La Tercera Iglesia Presbiteriana offer hospitality to all attendees | Credit: Vilmarie Cintrón Olivieri

^{Siblings from La Tercera Iglesia Presbiteriana offer hospitality to all attendees the APCE-SOAP event. (Photo by Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri)}

“From the very beginning, we felt like family. The care and passion of the planning team shone through, and the laughter we shared reflected the bond that formed over those days.”

Sandra Miranda Duverge, associate for Financial Aid for Service for Presbyterian Life & Witness

“I celebrate the work of God in bringing together so many different partners for this cross-cultural and bilingual learning opportunity. With the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s movement in our time together, I left refreshed in mind, heart and spirit for the ministry ahead.”

The Rev. Kara Wheeler, APCE-SOAP president

Group photo of participants in APCE-SOAP 2026 Gathering | Credit: Cheryl Carson

^{For participants, the sounds of bilingual worship, shared prayer and joyful conversation — paired with the sights of tables filled with educators from across regions — offered a living expression of the church at work.}^{(Group photo by Cheryl Carson)}

“We are truly a connectional church and better when we are connected to one another.”

The Rev. Kara Wheeler

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Topics: Christian Educators, Christian Formation, Global Ecumenical Liaisons, APCE, Association of Partners in Christian Education, Puerto Rico