Pastor's Pen -Dec. 28, 2014

National Migration Week 2015: January 4 - 10
We are One Family Under God
National Migration Week 2015 will take place January 4 – 10 with the theme, "We are One Family Under God," which brings to mind the importance of family in our daily lives. This reminder is particularly important when dealing with the migration phenomenon, as family members are too often separated from one another. Following is a prayer highlighting the Holy Family reminding us of the important role that family plays in our lives and the precarious existence of families who are caught in a migration experience. If nothing else, I would hope that it gives us an appreciation for the families that we have in our lives.
Loving Father,
Remembering that the Holy Family fled violence
and lived for a time as refugees,
we ask that you protect all refugee families
fleeing persecution, and provide them a place
of safety and comfort.
For children who are making perilous journeys,
often alone and without protection of loved ones,
we ask that you reunite them with their families
and protect them from violence on the journey.
For all migrants,
that they not feel compelled to migrate
but have opportunities in their homeland
where they can thrive and live fully human lives.
Open our hearts
so that we may provide hospitality
for those who come in search of refuge,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who live ad reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen
As important as it is that we pray for just immigration laws and the general belief that ALL people should be treated with a real dignity that is bestowed on us by God, I think that we can look in our own back yard to help people in need as they migrate from place to place. We should be able to extend a hand of welcome to people who move to our neighborhood, introduce ourselves to people who are new at church or work or school, and rather than looking funny at people because they are new we should help them feel at home in the new community in which they now live and hope to belong.
Father Chuck