Resources for World Refugee Awareness
Plan a Refugee Awareness Sunday Using special liturgy, scripture, music, and stories.
- Theology and scripture support from the UMC https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/civil-and-human-rights/immigration-to-the-united-states
- Migration Sunday Resources (1st Sunday in Advent) can also be helpful: https://umcmigration.org/
- Refugee Sunday Worship resources from the Minnesota Council of Churches http://www.mnchurches.org/refugeeservices/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Refugee-Sunday-Service-Planning-Materials.pdf
- Scripture on welcoming the stranger: https://greateras1.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Scriptures-protecting-welcome-restoring-hope-final.pdf
- Prayers for Refugee Sunday from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: https://www.lirs.org/assets/2474/20180711_prayers_of_intercession.pdf
Learn about refugees: Find Facts, stories, pictures and videos here:
- United Nations World Refugee Day https://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/index.shtml
- Refugee Council USA http://www.rcusa.org/
- Mid-Michigan stories and pictures in an exhibit, book and website: http://refugelansing.us/
Attend an event during World Refugee Week
- Visit an organization and meet refugees and learn about programs http://stvcc.org/eventscpt/world-refugee-awareness-week/
Host the Refuge Lansing exhibit with area stores and pictures presented through display boards, books and website. http://www.refugelansing.us/
Collaborative groups-follow them on Facebook or sign up for emails
- All Faith Alliance for Refugees (AFAR) connects the area refugee support agencies with the faith communities through emails and events.
- Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement Coalition (IRRC)—connects area refugee support agencies with community leaders such as schools, health department, employers, landlords
Learn the needs and help local refugee related agencies in Mid-Michigan. Check out their websites for stories and facts to share. Follow them on Facebook. Invite directors to speak at your church or schedule a visit.
- St. Vincent Catholic Charities Refugee Rettlement—resettles families, and helps them in the initial phase to get jobs, housing, and language established, director: Judi Harris, http://stvcc.org/services/refugee-services/
- Samaritas, -resettles unaccompanied minors in foster families or group homes, director Michelle Haskell, https://www.samaritas.org/Foster-Care/Foster-Resources-FAQs/Refugee-Foster-Care
- Global Institute of Lansing, a school to help refugees earn a high school diploma online, runs with volunteer teachers and meets in a church basement, director Paula Frantz https://globalinstitutelansing.org/
- Refugee Development Center—collaborates with refugees for ongoing education, education, and support. Director Erika Brown-Binion, https://refugeedevelopmentcenter.org/
Advocate with lawmakers on behalf of refugee resettlement
- Develop relationships with elected leaders
- Let them know you support refugee resettlement. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society has a page that will help you contact your members of Congress on behalf of immigrant and refugee rights. https://www.umcjustice.org/what-you-can-do/advocacy/take-action/stand-with-immigrants-and-refugees
Plan a Bible Study
-
Dialogues on the Refugee Crisis, from Sparkhouse with the ELCA, with a student book and leaders guide: https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/store/product/24054/Dialogues-On-The-Refugee-Crisis-Learner-Book
-
“Fear of the Other,” by Willimon, this is not specifically about refugees, but helpful at a time of rising fear towards people from groups other than our own, https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781501824753/
Read about historic support from faith groups in the U.S. for refugees and recent decline among some white Christians, “Religion and refugees are deeply entwined in the US,” Dr. Stephanie Nawyn, MSU. https://theconversation.com/religion-and-refugees-are-deeply-entwined-in-the-us-105923
Agencies that serve refugees in Mid-Michigan are eager to answer questions and to meet with congregations. Here are some helpful contacts:
- Judi Harris, St. Vincent Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement: [email protected]
- Erika Brown Binion, Refugee Development Center: [email protected]
- Michelle Haskell, Samaritas: [email protected]
- Paula Feddor Frantz, Global Institute of Lansing: globalinstitutelansing.org