By Kendra Flory
The October online offering from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College will be “From Ukraine to Central Kansas: A Positive Refugee Experience” to be presented by the McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren Welcomers Group. The course will be held online Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon (central time). Continuing education units (CEUs) are available.
Settling refugees has been going on in the United States for centuries. In mid-west Kansas, we felt the shock of dismay just as strongly as most when Russia invaded Ukraine. A brief newspaper article alerted a member of the McPherson Church of the Brethren to a US government program called “Uniting for Ukraine” that allowed for Ukrainian refugees to settle in our country.
In this Ventures course, members of the McPherson Church of the Brethren Welcomers Group will discuss the journey our church and community have been and are currently on to welcome Ukrainian families to McPherson. Perhaps your church community would be interested in helping settle refugees from Ukraine or other countries. Please join us as we share what we have learned and the joy and blessings we have experienced in being “Jesus in the (international) Neighborhood.”
In the fall of 2022, the McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren Welcomers Group formed to sponsor and assist Ukrainian refugees coming to the US. A year later the group is 18 members strong and is currently sponsoring 9 refugees in McPherson. The congregation has provided financial support, donated items to furnish homes, helped with English classes and job applications, and much more. The group has assisted a total of 17 refugees since it began.
Continuing education credit is available for $10 per course. During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to pay for CEUs and give an optional donation to the Ventures program.
To learn more about Ventures in Christian Discipleship and to register for courses, visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
— Kendra Flory is advancement assistant for McPherson (Kan.) College.