LIRS offers ‘Refugee Sunday’ resources

In 2014, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that for the first time since World War II, there are more than 50 million refugees in the world.

To remember refugees and migrants, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) invites congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) to observe “Refugee Sunday.” A digital resource kit is available to LCMS congregations and schools for use on any Sunday of their choosing.

“By setting aside one Sunday this year to consider the courageous and often perilous journey made by millions of refugees, we can prepare our hearts to welcome each newcomer in Christ’s name and support their new life in America,” LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison and LIRS CEO and President Linda Hartke wrote in a joint letter to accompany the materials.

The free resource kit includes:

suggestions for worship;

a discussion activity;

a poster; and

a bulletin insert.

The kit can be adapted for a variety of settings and ages. A video and worship guide with sermon notes from the Rev. Larry Vogel, associate executive director of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations, also are available at lirs.org/ refugeesunday.

Lutherans began a ministry to resettle fellow Lutherans displaced by World War II in 1939. Since then, LIRS has helped almost 400,000 refugees from all over the world. Of the 70,000 refugees that resettle in the United States each year, LIRS assists about 10,000.

For help planning activities for Refugee Sunday or to arrange a speaker, contact Matt Herzberg at 410-230-2794 or refugeesunday@lirs.org .

Posted May 29, 2015