Tamalada at St. Paul’s 2025: Making Tamales, Making Community

Saturday, December 13 | 9 AM – 6 PM

Jones Building, 2nd Floor Kitchen | St. Paul’s UMC

You're invited to a Tamalada, a day of hands-on tamale making, shared stories, and communal joy.

We (Fe y Esperanza community) remember the smell of masa early in the morning. The way the kitchen filled with laughter and layered conversation. The patient instruction: “Not too much filling.” “Fold like this.” “Here, let me show you.” And always someone saying: “¡Ándale! (Often used with affection and encouragement) It’s a way of saying “You belong here. Don’t wait. Step in. You’re part of this.”

Just like prevenient grace (God’s grace that goes before us), “¡Ándale!” invites us before we’re ready, before we feel skilled or worthy. It says: Come just as you are, there’s a place for you.

In the spirit of John Wesley we believe God's grace is present in the work of our hands and the warmth of our fellowship. Come just as you are, join us, there’s a place for you.

Come for one shift or stay for the day:

• 9 AM – 12 PM: Morning prep, corn hush cleaning, masa and folding.

• 12 – 1 PM: Shared Mexican traditional lunch break

• 1 – 3 PM: Midday folding & steaming

• 3 – 6 PM: Steaming, final wrapping and clean up.

No experience needed, just a willing heart and helping hands. Whether you’ve made tamales your whole life or this is your first time, you’re welcome at the table.

¡Ándale! Come join the work and the joy.