The other day I was in a fast food drive through. We waited nearly 10 minutes at the order screen just to be acknowledged. Then we waited nearly 15 more at the window for our food. As we sat at the window, I wondered aloud, “what is taking so long?” and my husband said, it appears she is the only one there. I remember thinking, “what a pity, plenty of hungry customers, plenty of food, not enough people to get it from one point to the other.” The problem is, it isn’t even that simple. Many factors impact why that one worker is alone and a business is still open without sufficient staff.

Immigrants seeking entry and process to the United States face much the same frustration on a far grander scale- each minute is a year. We have plentiful jobs, land, and opportunity to offer once here, but getting in is a mire of epic proportion. We are bogged down. Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 1.6 million new immigration cases were up for admission review, which translates to at least a 2 year wait to even be considered. That does not include the additional wait time for a green card, let alone citizenship. Those waits can be as long as 20 years depending on the country one is immigrating from.

And now the sheer numbers of Ukrainians seeking safety from war have left countries around the world scrambling to create space for an additional 4 million refugees in already burdened systems. 
The U.S. is no different. Folks remain lined up, just waiting to even get a chance to be heard for entry, let alone get in for the immigration process to really begin. But it isn’t for lack of resources and opportunity once they are given the green card. It is the system in place that prevents sensible care and consideration for those seeking help and those working to give them entry. 

We have put immigration systems in place that do not match our values. We believe in a God of abundance. We proclaim a Savior for all people. We celebrate a table where all are welcome. We make room for one more in our pews and our offering plates. Yet we cannot seem to make room for one more in our country, hiding behind legislation that in the end, we as voting citizens are responsible for.  

It saddens me to hear a different tone and urgency though when it comes to light skinned refugees, refugees of Christian faith, or those holding a talent or skill we need. What happened to remembering that we cannot claim the right hand or the left or that the last shall be first? The hierarchy of human importance does not exist in God’s kingdom. All are valued and treasured equally. 

Every month between this newsletter and many others within our diocese and churchwide, you hear and read how we can make a difference (especially Jim’s article last month!). But I wonder, as we move through the remainder of Lent are we reconciling ourselves to our neighbors outside the borders? Are we including them in our work of reconciling with God, re-centering our spiritual life, and repenting? Are we thinking of immigration when we confess to God that which we have done and that which we have left undone? What would that work look like? What could we do? 

I think back to that drive-through a lot lately. Who is responsible for the situation? How can we be part of the solution? And what is God calling us to do here? You have the answers. The question is, what will you do with them?


The Rev. Julie Kelly is the Pastor-in-Charge at Episcopal Church of the Saviour in Hanford and is a member of the EDSJ Immigration Commission (SJRAISE).
What is the VISION Act?
(AB 937)

Contact your California State Senators to support the (VISION Act) that would prevent ICE from detaining people after they have completed their sentence and have earned release from jail and prison. There are many people from the San Joaquin Valley who have experienced this cruel practice. Here’s the story of one of them, Salesh Prasad: bit.ly/FreeSal (Below are more resources about the VISION Act.)

News articles on the VISION Act and how it would support immigrants including domestic violence survivors, firefighters, and youth.
Polling report by UCSD finding that there’s strong support for the VISION Act across the political spectrum from voters

Calls to Action, Training and Resources

SAVE THE DATE! 
Immigrant Day of Action 2022
- April 26 -
the largest advocacy effort in the state for immigrant rights organized by the California Immigrant Policy Center. It remains to be seen whether it will be an in-person or virtual event. For more information and to register:
https://caimmigrant.org/event/immigrant-day-2022/

Immigration Month 2022 - Save the Dates!

The EDSJ Immigration Commission (SJRAISE) will be sponsoring four Zoom-based presentations during Immigration Month this year.  Please mark your calendars.  The focus will be on immigrant voices of the San Joaquin Valley.  All sessions will be on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.  Please join us.

May 25    Afghan Voices
June 1 DACA Voices
June 8 Asian Voices
June 15    Voices of African Descendants

Join Refugee Council USA's
2022 Virtual Refugee Advocacy Days!
(May 9th - 13th, 2022)

Donations needed for International Rescue Committee

How you can help
 
As we prepare to serve a larger number of refugees, asylees and other special immigrants in the Central Valley, there are many ways that you can provide support:
 
  • Donate Household Items: As new families and individuals arrive, they will need household furnishings such as furniture (particularly couches and dining sets that are in good condition), new bath and bedding items, and kitchen supplies. A list of our general donations needs is attached. Feel free to respond to this email or contact us by phone at 209-272-0751 if you wish to donate any of these items.
 
  • Provide Gift Cards: We have a huge need right now for gift cards from Target or Walmart. These donations are incredibly empowering because they give people the power to choose what clothing and household items they want to buy, a luxury that was not available to them while living in refugee camps. Gift cards from Target or Walmart can be sent to the following address:

International Rescue Committee
3446 N. Golden State Blvd., Ste. A
Turlock, CA 95382
Attn: Jonathan Partridge
You can also purchase Visa gift cards through Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/IZ54FT2R92TL/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist
 
  • Volunteer: As more people arrive, we will need volunteers to help with virtual English language classes, job placement, and donation transportation. We will also likely need help transporting individuals and families to appointments once it becomes safe to do so. In addition, we will be looking for small groups who are interested in furnishing homes. More information on volunteer and internship opportunities can be found at the following link: https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/turlock-ca
 

Wrapped in Love

If you are a quilter and would like to contribute to the Wrapped in Love project, or if you would like to provide financial assistance for mailing and supplies, please contact Pastor Julie at: [email protected].

To view the video of the blessing of the blankets and hear from Pastor Julie and quilter, Jean Wright, click here
Check out Episcopal Migration Ministries new podcast:
Repairing the Breach: Building the Beloved Community Through Welcome
You can listen here!

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The Immigration Services Directory, which provides a list of nonprofit community organizations that offer a broad range of immigration-related services in the Central Valley can be found here

Prayers of the People for use in Ordinary Time

SJRAISE Petitions for Prayers of the People

Fifth Sunday in Lent: Loving and merciful Lord, help us to show our love for you by also loving our neighbors seeking refuge. Let us not be prideful and selfish, so our eyes may be opened and our hearts desire to meet the needs of those immigrants and refugees seeking love and care.

Palm Sunday: Loving and merciful Lord, you sent your son, our savior to suffer upon the cross. Be with those who are now suffering from persecution and abuse. Guide all immigrants and refugees to a place of safety and give them the hope of a life free from harm.  

Easter Sunday: God of love, in the resurrection of Jesus you have given to us the promise of eternal life and rescued us from sin and death. Fill with peace and hope the hearts of those who seek refuge and safety from evil and dangers of this world.

2nd Sunday in Easter: God of love, keep from fear and uncertainty all who seek safety in the midst of persecution. Open the eyes of your people to see Christ present in them and to reflect your peace and mercy.

3rd Sunday in Easter: God of love, you sent Jesus to show us the way to love one another. Help us to follow in the way of love by tending those longing for safety and a secure home. In our care for them
may they come to know your loving kindness.

4th Sunday in Easter: Heavenly Father, you are one with our Savior Jesus Christ. Open our ears to hear your voice of comfort and truth. Help us to be the voice of Jesus for those persecuted and endangered. In you loving embrace may they know the hope of your eternal kingdom.

5th Sunday in Easter: God of love, you are glorified in Jesus Christ. Make us faithful to your commandment of love. By the witness of our common life may those in fear and harm find hope and
know your peace.

6th Sunday in Easter: Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of hope and promise. Keep in safety all those seeking freedom from persecution, and in the power of your strength may we open for them a path of safety to a more hopeful future.

7th Sunday in Easter: Heavenly Father, Lord of Righteousness. Be present to the many in our world who live in hopeless fear. By your grace may we walk with them in the way of loving kindness, and together find the justice that is your will for all people.

written by Deacon Cathy Kline, St Paul's Bakersfield

Prayer in a time of pandemic​
Loving God, throughout the Scriptures you call us to “Fear not!”, but these are troubling times for the hardiest souls. Give us courage to face the challenges of this new threat to your human family. Give us prudence, to do the necessary things to protect ourselves and others. Give us the clarity of vision to learn from this disease the lesson we are too prone to forget, that we are all connected, regardless of race or nationality or political persuasion. We pray for those who are struggling with this disease, that their health may be restored. We pray for medical personnel and first responders caring for those in need, that they remain healthy and unflagging in their life-saving work. And we pray for all those economically impacted, that they may find the resources to maintain themselves and their families.  We ask all this, trusting in your abiding love, a love that even death cannot defeat. Amen.

Written by Deacon Tom Hampson, St John's Lodi
 


Special Prayers for Immigrants During COVID-19

Oh Lord; in this time of Covid-19 as we take shelter in our homes, we ask you to spread your love and healing over our brothers and sisters held in overcrowded detention centers and refugee camps. 
We ask Lord that you may soften the hearts of those in authority, that them may care for our sisters and brothers in this time of crises.

We ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen
SJRAISE YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAJZiw1OpUAMshz5jbdxa2A
Wrapped in Love blankets blessed by
Bp. David

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Undocumented Migration Project
https://www.undocumentedmigrationproject.org

International Rescue Committee
https://www.rescue.org/

HOPE CAN'T BE QUARANTINED
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) has developed a toolkit for supporting immigrants currently in detention.

Council on American-Islamic Relations