THE TORCH: News & Updates

December 28 | 2021

THE (YEAR) END IS NEAR!


The end of the traditional calendar year includes many celebrations in religious and cultural traditions, such as Hanukah, Advent and then Christmas, Kwanzaa and then the New Year's Welcome. It usually includes a bit of slowing down as well, but it's been very busy for URC and our many partnering congregations and nonprofit organizations as we welcome Afghan evacuees to the community. Please see updates on APA, the local Kwanzaa celebration (Tuesday, 28-Dec) and the onsite prayer vigil that will commemorate the most recent victim of homicide in the county on Thursday, 30-Dec.


Please accept this hastily written, likely incomplete, and completely tree-less edition for your perusal. Best of the Holiday Season to you, however you are celebrating it!


John Pinter, Editor

Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) Program


The planned arrival of Afghan evacuees to our community began on very short notice when a small contingent of folks arrived in early December. Thanks to amazing help from partners and faith communities, these folks were welcomed warmly and were quickly joined by other small groups and families.


To date, half of our expected group of around 30-35 people have arrived, and it is expected that nearly all will arrived before the end of the calendar year or in early January. So many groups and individuals have provided help, and many others have asked to help. We promise to give more details as time allows, but the best ways to assist are to learn more via our website (yes, needs and update!) or to reach out to our team at info@urcsjc.org.


Thanks for your patience and help!

Kwanzaa Celebration: Tuesday Dec 28, 6 p.m.



Please see info below to log into the Indiana Black Expo, South Bend Chapter, observance tonight. Among others, St. Michael's and All Angels Music Director Dr. Marvin Curtis will be honored as a community Elder!

Read More on Helping Afghan Arrivals

ONSITE PRAYER MINISTRY: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 5:30 P.M.


This information is from Michael Elliott, who organizes the vigils after a homicide in the community:


The On Site Prayer Ministry will be holding a vigil this Thursday, December 16, at 5:30 p.m.


The vigil will be for 21-year-old Saivon Jackson, who was shot and killed  on  November 21 in South Bend.


The vigil will be at the corner of Elwood and Meade, South Bend; parking is available at Lasalle Intermediate school.