The topic of immigration is in the news lately with new executive orders and enforcement directives. There are some upcoming events to help us be more informed about the complexity of the immigration system and how churches can best support refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in our community. 

Tomorrow's event is virutal. Pastor Sean will be watching in the narthex at Joy and invites you to join for lunch. 

Join Pastor Sean for lunch during the webinar. Please reply to this email and let us know you are coming.

Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services) and ELCA AMMPARO are hosting a virtual webinar to learn about the impact of recent executive orders on refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. Resources will be shared along with opportunities for more engagement.

This is a free event. If you would like to watch from home, you can register here: LINK.

There are other upcoming events to learn more about the recent impacts on refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants and their impact on protections for churches. We will post more information in the Notes of Joy for you to learn more.

For more information, click here. 

Join us for Build Belonging: Support New Americans in Our Community, an event that celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of Alaska’s new Americans. We will learn about the current refugee landscape and how we can continue to support our vibrant refugee community for years to come.

This event, hosted by Catholic Social Services’ Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services (RAIS), brings together community members, partners, and supporters to learn, connect, and take action. Together, we’ll highlight the important role of refugees in our state and how you can help.

What to Expect:

• Refugee Voice: Hear from a refugee in our community about their resilience and contributions to our community.
• Changes in the Refugee Landscape: Learn from Issa Spatrisano, Alaska State Refugee Coordinator, how federal changes affect the refugee community. You will also hear from Heba El-Hendi, RAIS Sr. Director, on how the RAIS program is supporting our refugee clients.
• Community Connections: Meet and engage with local organizations that are making a difference. Try treats from around the world made by refugees.
• Action Opportunities: Participate in activities like writing postcards to elected officials or designing welcome cards for new arrivals.
• Volunteer: Learn and sign up for opportunities to serve refugees in our community.
• Support for Families: Please support RAIS clients by donating essential household items such as hygiene products, laundry soap, or toilet paper at the event.

Together, we can strengthen our community and create a place where everyone feels they belong.