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A Place to Call Home:
Welcoming New Immigrant Neighbors
During 2010-2011 the Peace and Justice Committee and partner organizations have held several events focused on immigration and closely-related issues.
Stories of migration and immigration are woven throughout the history of God's people, and once again there are new immigrants, many of them undocumented, in our congregations and communities. We explore who our new neighbors are, what challenges they face in America, and why they are important to our well-being.
Other public events focused on immigration public policy in Pennsylvania are being held in several communities during spring, 2011. See the Pa. Legislative page for more details.
Immigration - 2011
February 11-13, 2011 (Fri.-Sun.) Spruce Lake Peace Retreat
with Rick Ufford-Chase, Executive Director, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. There will be a separate program for children. (See peaceretreat.ppjr.org for details.)
Immigration - 2010
November 20, 2010 (Saturday) Towamencin MC, Kulpsville, PA (near I-476, Lansdale exit)
A Place to Call Home: Welcoming New Immigrant Neighbors
Schedule: 8:30-9am Resource Displays, Coffee, and Conversation
PART 1: (9am-12)
Plenary presentions and open discussion, beginning with a biblical-theological framework. Who are the new immigrants - in our communities and in our churches? Why do they come here? How do they impact community life? What are the issues concerning U.S. immigration law and enforcement?
PART 2: (12-2pm)
Lunch and parallel workshops: on refugee resettlement, immigrant employment issues, and public policy / legislation.
For details and registration, see efpjc.ppjr.org/events/imm1011/.
October 30, 2010 (Sat. 9:30 am-2 pm) New Holland, PA
Exploring Immigration from an Anabaptist Perspective
Immigration is a subject we hear a lot about in our national news. How do we respond? This seminar is planned to provide space to engage divergent views on the issue of immigration, a place for open and safe conversation and to create an awareness of how tradition, scripture, culture, and experience shape our views and perspectives. Sponsored by Atlantic Coast Conference and Lancaster Mennonite Conference.
Location: This event is hosted by and noon meal provided by Iglesia Menonita Jesucristo es el Senor (New Holland Spanish Mennonite Church), 24 N. Roberts Ave., New Holland, PA 17557.
All are welcome. Please register by October 25. No fee to attend.
For further information or registration, contact Lorrie Stoltzfus, 717-293-5246 ext. 110,
lstoltzfus@lancasterconference.org.
September 29, 2010 (Wed. 8:00-10:00am) Pastors and Leaders Breakfast
Download the podcast at Audio.franconiaconference.org.
Peter Pedemonti (New Sanctuary Movement, Philadelphia), Maria Byler (Philadelphia Praise Center), and Bob Walden (Peace & Justice Committee and West Swamp Mennonite Church) will lead breakfast conversation on "A Place to Call Home: Our New Immigrant Neighbors." Who are the new immigrants in our congregations and communities, and why did they come here? Starting from a biblical framework, the discussion will address particularly the difficult questions about our undocumented immigrants and provide an overview of immigration issues through personal stories of local immigrants. Also, there will be a brief review of resources for sermons and group study.
Location: Mennonite Conference Center, 529 Yoder Road, Harlyesville, PA.
For reservations (by Friday, Sept. 24), contact the FMC office at 267-932-6050, Ext. 110, or office@franconiaconference.org.
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