THE TORCH: News & Updates

April 15, 2022

Greetings from the URC:

As this is written on Friday, April 15, Sikh believers have just observed Vaisakhi, the day in 1699 when the religion was formed. Preparations are underway for Christian observances of Good Friday and the Easter Weekend, Jewish congregations are about to celebrate Passover, and Muslims are in the midst of the Holy Month of Ramadan. And let us not forget that the dual holiday of Dyngus Day and the IRS tax deadline will follow on Monday.

Please see news below from:

1st Presbyterian Church's Good Friday Concert (today at 7 p.m.)
The URC will host a virtual update on refugee resettlement, Thursday, April 21, at 2 p.m.
The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley (Camp IDEAL and Yom Hashoah observance (April 28 at main library)
Happy Families Initiative of Notre Dame

The Blooming Bush (see left) is still awaiting real confirmation that Spring has arrived, but it is close. Shabbat Shalom, Jumma Mubarak, Lenten and Easter Blessings! Thanks for your engagement and support.

URC Turning 50/Learn More

The URC will be celebrating its 50th year, and will host an informational session with emphasis on the refugee resettlement efforts. The session is on Zoom.

JOIN US:

Thursday, April 21

2-3 p.m. ET

Zoom meeting: Click Here

1st Presbyterian Church:

Matthew: 25

Join the congregation at 1st Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 15, for a concert featuring George Shelby. The event is at 7 PM,

333 W. Colfax, South Bend

Jewish Federation News

Whether you are a part of one of the local Jewish congregations in and around South Bend, you ought to get their regular updates!

There are two in particular highlighted here. First, the annual observance of Yom Hashoah will take place on Thursday, Apr 28, at the Downtown Library, 630-8 pm. Jane Neff Rollins is the speaker. April is the month when the Holocaust and the Rwandan Genocides are both observed, and learning opportunities help all of us to keep these important memories alive.

Camp IDEAL is also sponsored by the Federation, and they seek Camp Counselors; there's a position description to the left and the link below takes you to the website.

Link for more info

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Thursday, May 5, is the day for the National Day of Prayer. Two events to note (and a promise of details soon)

The URC is planning to coordinate a CROP WALK FOR UKRAINE in support of our refugee partners at Church World Service; this event will be offered locally, but can also be done 'on your own'
Religions for Peace USA will offer a midday observance, with emphasis on the War in Ukraine, refugees, and nuclear weapons.

Happy Families Coaching and Research

In the prior TORCH, there was info on the Notre Dame Happy Families Project; here is a recruitment flyer with information and a sign u p for more information:

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE Updates

The URC Advocacy Center has provided over $600,000 in help from the Emergency Rent Assistance (ERA) Program since March, 2021. This is in addition to funds provided by member congregations, including a special grant from the Islamic Society of Michiana, and grants from the United Way COVID Relief Fund and Heat for Homes.

Tenants still in need, but who have not applied previously, can still request assistance from IN Housing and Community Development (IHCDA) by clicking here: https://www.indianahousingnow.org/

Clients already in the URC's cohort can still receive assistance if they still qualify. Contact URC at urcsjc@gmail.com