REFUGEE PROGRAM UPDATE and JUNE 5 DAY OF PRAYER
Shabbat Shalom, Jumma Mubarak, and Happy Friday...
This month has been a very tough one as we recall mass scale shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, TX, along with a number of violent deaths in our own communities. This weekend, while many enjoy an extra day off and the start of the summer season, we also recollect memories of those known and unknown to us who died in military conflicts over the years. It is hard, for this writer, to know whether it is best to pray in thanks or sorrow, so I shall try both.
And the URC invites you to participate in the Sunday, June 12, Day of Prayer to be observed at Huntsman Plaza in South Bend from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; more on this event sponsored by Let's Turn it Around will come soon.
Refugee Updates
The URC is getting ready to receive a newly arriving Afghan family to the area, and a few needs have arisen:
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Temporary (short-term) Housing: we are looking for a short-term housing opportunity for the family's arrival. It is anticipate that this will be for a short time.
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Long Term Housing: our prior 32 folks are all in 'permanent' housing, and we will be seeking a safe, affordable rental for the newly arriving family.
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There are two groups of co-sponsors helping out, and likely to find needed household items, but there can often be needs for beds/mattresses, bedding and linens, and kitchen items. Ideally, we seek donations for new mattresses. To learn more, please email Ludy McCollester at communityengagement@urcsjc.org or call John 574-282-2397 x 3. Please know that our storage space is limited, so we cannot accept all donations.
Events:
Saturday, June 4, 1-3 p.m.: Family Fun Day, Howard Park
Saturday, June 11, 1-3 p.m.: Afghanistan (for World Refugee Day), at St. Jos. County Public Library, Downtown South Bend
Sunday, Aug 21, 3-5 p.m. Immigrant Story Telling, South Bend Civic Theatre.
Finally, from: A Prayer For Interfaith Gatherings
"In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts, let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing. You who created us, who sustain us, who call us to live in peace, hear our prayer this day.May 25, 2018
Blessings of safety, thanks, and peace to you this Memorial Day weekend!
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