Welcome to Refugee and Immigration Ministries News. You are receiving this newsletter because you either requested it or expressed an interest in refugee and immigration issues. I am excited about events that are scheduled to happen at the upcoming General Assembly in July.  Below are just a few of the activities that I hope you will join in.  

RIM Events at General Assembly  

• Farm Worker Rights Vigil  -- Refugee & Immigration Ministries in partnership with Disciples Justice Action Network, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Alliance for Fair Food and the Ohio Fair Food group are planning an adventure for justice at General Assembly, in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, July 19th at 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Participants will gather briefly in the convention center, (location to be announced at a later time) before departure to the local Wendy's (a little over a mile away), to ask them to join the Fair Food Campaign. A bus will take us part way, and some walking will also be necessary. A simple sandwich and water will be provided for participants during the event. For more Information and registration. 

• Exhibit Booth -- Come to the Exhibit Hall at General Assembly and visit the Refugee & Immigration Ministries (RIM) booth #422 to gather information and see and purchase refugee crafts.  Also visit RIM at the Disciples Home Missions booth #411.

• Iraqi Food Demonstration -- You are invited to come to a food demonstration in the Refugee & Immigration Ministries booth #422 on Saturday, July 18th at 4 p.m. Iraqi refugees from our Church World Service Resettlement partner office in Columbus, Ohio (called "CRIS"-Community Refugee and Immigration Services) will lead the demonstration. Come interact with them to share hospitality and learn their culture and food! CRIS staff and our Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries Director will also be present to share about refugee resettlement opportunities locally, and around the country for Disciples!

• Bhutanese/Nepali Dancing -- Come experience a performance of Bhutanese/Napali Refugee Dancers and join in to try a couple of dances with the group. The aftersession will begin following evening worship on Saturday, July 17th. Location to be announced at a later time.  The Bhutanese dancers are refugees from Columbus, Ohio, and affiliate with our area Church World Service partner office, "CRIS"-Community Refugee and Immigration Services).  Come to learn through personal conversations about the cultural practices and values of Bhutanese refugees like these. Local CRIS staff and RIM Director, Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea will be present to share options for Disciples to work with Bhutanese refugees around the country!

• Resourcing Congregations/Mission Learning Opportunities 
  World Welcoming Ways: Models for Refugee & Immigration Ministries in Your Local

  Congregation - With peoples from the world both perched at our doorsteps and positioned in our pews, how are Disciples' faith values leading us into promising encounters with immigrants and refugees that revitalize our sanctuaries, transform our communities, and claim our hearts for justice?  Leaders from across the church will share experiences of welcoming new neighbors, organizing for immigrant rights, advocating for just policies, and sharing world welcoming ways in worship. We'll offer practical advice on communicating cross-culturally, advocating effectively, organizing for outstanding results, and avoiding legal pitfalls.  With an understanding of these ministries' roots in Disciples identity and the support available from general ministries, participants will be equipped to begin or expand ministries in their own congregations and communities.
  Tuesday, July 21st at 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
  Greater Columbus Convention Center - Room E161A

• Resourcing Congregations/Mission Learning Opportunities

  World Welcoming Ways: Models for Refugee & Immigration Ministries in Your Local Congregation - With peoples from the world both perched at our doorsteps and positioned in our pews, how are Disciples' faith values leading us into promising encounters with immigrants and refugees that revitalize our sanctuaries, transform our communities, and claim our hearts for justice?  Leaders from across the church will share experiences of welcoming new neighbors, organizing for immigrant rights, advocating for just policies, and sharing world welcoming ways in worship. We'll offer practical advice on communicating cross-culturally, advocating effectively, organizing for outstanding results, and avoiding legal pitfalls.  With an understanding of these ministries' roots in Disciples identity and the support available from general ministries, participants will be equipped to begin or expand ministries in their own congregations and communities.

  Wednesday, July 22nd at 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

  Greater Columbus Convention Center - Room D235

Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea

Director of Refugee & Immigration Ministries

Disciples Home Missions

Washington, D.C. 20005-4153

sstanley@dhm.disciples.org 

www.discipleshomemissions.org