From: CWS Lancaster <rhelwig@cwsglobal.org>
Date: Tue, Sep 14, 2021 at 3:13 PM
Subject: It's Welcoming Week!
To: info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org <info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org>
| No images? Click here  It's Welcoming Week! This year's Welcoming Week (September 10-19) theme is "Belonging Begins With Us." These words take on greater significance now as as we think about how we as a community can care for those impacted by the crisis in Afghanistan, natural disasters in Haiti, Mexico, Louisiana, California and beyond. Together we can ensure that refugees, immigrants and asylum-seekers know that they belong in our communities. Thanks to you, we continue to work in a spirit of welcome. In just one recent week, we received more than 150 calls and emails from individuals, faith groups and other organizations wanting to aid newly resettled Afghans refugees. You demonstrate everyday that belonging truly does begin with each and every one of us.  Special "Live at Five" with CWS & Mayor Sorace Join CWS Lancaster and Mayor Danene Sorace for a for a special Live at Five THIS Wednesday 9/15 at 5 p.m. as we celebrate "Welcoming Week" in honor of our immigrant and refugee neighbors. Church World Service team members will join Mayor Sorace for a conversation about the Afghan crisis, the resettlement process, and how Lancaster has continually stepped up when asked to help refugees. This is a virtual event that will be streamed live on the City of Lancaster's Facebook page at Facebook.com/cityoflancasterpa. Share the event with your friends on Facebook HERE.  By Welcoming Refugees, Our Community Saves Lives "As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention, the landmark treaty affirming the need for international protections for those fleeing persecution, it is important that the United States continues its commitment to a robust resettlement program and asylum protections. Here at home, CWS Lancaster remains ready to welcome new neighbors from Afghanistan and around the world. Together with generous volunteers, landlords, employers, and good-hearted neighbors, we are making Lancaster a stronger and more diverse community," wrote Valentina Ross, CWS Lancaster's Office Director in an Lancaster Newspaper op-ed on Sunday. While you're here, would you make a recurring donation? Are you thinking about planned giving or stock designation? We would be happy to talk.     |
