5th Sunday Serve
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33-34)
 
Immigration is one of our nation’s issues that continues to separate and isolate us politically and as Christians. ICE raids, making children attend court alone when they are oblivious to what’s going on, inhumane living conditions while waiting to be deported, nursing babies being taken from their mothers, and the overall objectification of many are happening regularly. It’s terrifying to think of having to endure such injustice without the decency of being considered human.
 
My heart has continued to break as I watched the news, read articles, saw pictures and listened to stories from those who experience a part of this catastrophe daily. Praying, I asked God to show me how I and our church could take a step further in showing our love and concern for the immigration crisis in our nation. September’s 5th Sunday Serve is the perfect opportunity! After brainstorming and coming up with a few things, the idea of prayer walks was presented to me in a conversation. It was settled. Thanks, Susan!
 
As Rita and Susan spoke so wonderfully last Sunday about their personal immigration experiences, we were able to witness two views and understand from two different lenses. From Susan, we learned it is extremely difficult to advocate for immigrants and refugees knowing they probably won’t get a fair shot at living their best lives in the United States. From Rita, we learned the “American dream” does not apply to all, yet–with perseverance through abuse, struggle, poverty, education and faith–living a good life in America is possible.
 
So, as most of you already know, we are doing something different this 5th Sunday Serve, September 29th. We are Christ’s church! Let us be the church outside in communities where people denounce Him through their words, actions and even their votes.
 
Other than the group meeting at Jackie Robinson Garden to put the beds to rest (Cathy Nieng, cathy.nieng@gmail.com),
four locations have been identified for prayer walks.
  1. Grace and Peace Church, 1865 N. Leclaire Ave., Chicago, IL
Group Lead: Amy Calkin, amy@newcommunitycovenant.com
This church is on the frontline of the immigration crisis providing any help they can and seeing the worst that can happen. They also do work in the North Austin area.
  1. Chicago Public Library, 2100 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL
Group Lead: Valeri Tao, valeri@newcommunitycovenant.com
Valeri & her husband, who is a pastor, work in ministry in Chicago’s Chinatown area. The people in this community, though their immigration needs are different, are in need of help.
  1. World Relief, 3507 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL
Group Lead: Susan Sperry, susanjsperry@gmail.com
There is a continued fight for refugees to be welcomed in our country or even being allowed to stay. Refugees and immigrants have fled dangerous or impoverished homelands and fear having to go back.
  1. US Immigration & Customs Enforcement, 1930 Beach St., Broadview, IL 
Group Lead: Markeyta Sconiers-Boone (markeyta@newcommunityoutreach.org)
Per its website, ICE’s job is to secure the nation’s borders and work with law enforcement to safeguard the integrity of our immigration system. ICE also has the task of combatting transnational crime and preventing terrorism. These duties are no excuse for disgracing people’s identities, heritage, or livelihood.
 
It’s not too late to join us. Email the group lead of the location you are interested in.
 
I am excited about this! See you on Sunday!
 
Markeyta

Community Prayer Requests
1) Those seeking asylum: Policies are being initiated that make it more and more difficult to seek asylum. Pray for reversal of these policies and justice for those caught in the current situation.

2) Refugees worldwide: Pray for their protection and for governments to do right by them. Pray that God would raise up advocates for them.

3) Immigrants: Pray for those who are living in fear because of their immigration status. Pray for wisdom to know where is safe and for pathways to open to change their status.
Your generosity helps our ministry flourish. Please see this fact sheet to learn more about how to give or visit our website to give online. Thank you!

Calendar & Opportunities

PATS | Saturday, October 5; 9:00AM
Get it on your calendar today, so you can join us as we pray together for our neighborhood schools. Meet in front of Kennicott Park building.
 
1st Sunday Potluck, October 6; after service
Make a dish to share – you have a week to be creative. Yum! Yum!
 
Prayer/Worship Night | Friday, October 18; 7:00PM
Come out and join us for a time of prayer and worship at the Ministry Center.
 
Human Trafficking Awareness 5K Walk/Run | October 29; 10:00AM-2:00PM
Save the date for Chicago Park District’s End Human Trafficking 5K Walk/Run
Fundraiser at Oakwood Beach on October 19, 2019.
Register at chicagoparkdistrict.com (Activity Code 271754, Registration fee is $35)

Open AA Meeting | Thursdays; 7:00-8:00 PM
Sponsored by The Chicago Area Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, the meeting is open to all who desire to stop drinking and is held in Room 425 of Mercy Hospital (2525 South Michigan Avenue; 312-567-2000).

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