In last month’s newsletter article I shared with you the work of the Hospitality Coalition being guided by Freida Adams and Kari Lenander. Since the formation of this Coalition in Las Cruces, the number of documented asylum seekers coming through the city has continued to grow. Churches and the City of Las Cruces are joining forces to work together to provide hospitality and shelters for those traveling on to where their sponsors are located within the United States. More coordination efforts are under way and the weekly Coalition meetings provide significant updates on this fast-paced issue.
First Christian Church continues to partner with El Calvario United Methodist Church. This one church is housing immigrants 2-3 times a week lately. Mike Bureman helps to prepare meals there every week. If you would like to volunteer your time in this way, ask Mike what is involved. Others, like Julia Bruner have volunteered over the weekend at a local hotel when church space is not available. If you would like to volunteer your time this way, ask Julia what is involved.
Our Donation Station needs list (published in this newsletter) continues to grow. Did you see the article where Lyn Wofford paid her winnings forward from a 50-50 raffle to buy shoes and other items she donated? Bring whatever items you have and place them in the box in the Atrium. Someone will transport these items to El Calvario when the box is full.
Perhaps you are unable to volunteer in any of these ways, but perhaps you could please join me daily in reciting the following prayer:
PRAYER FOR IMMIGRANTS
Dear Jesus,
Our journey through life is long and hard. We cannot make this trip alone; we
must walk together on the journey.
You promised to send us a helper, Your Spirit. Help us to see Your Spirit in
those
You send to journey with us.
In the refugee family, seeking safety from violence,
Let us see Your Spirit.
In the migrant worker, bringing food to our tables,
Let us see Your Spirit.
In the asylum-seeker, seeking justice for himself and his family,
Let us see Your Spirit.
In the unaccompanied child, traveling in a dangerous world,
Let us see Your Spirit.
Teach us to recognize that as we walk with each other, You are present.
Teach us to welcome not only the strangers in our midst but the gifts they
bring as well: the invitation to conversion, communion, and solidarity.
This is the help You have sent: we are not alone.
We are together on the journey, and for this we give You thanks. Amen.
(Jesus’ Divine Mercy October 19, 2018 Roman Catholic Marian Order)
Blessings and thank you for all you do on behalf of First Christian Church, and the Las Cruces community in fulfilling the mission we are called to do in the world. Donna
