Lancaster Church’s ‘Evening of Stories & Songs’ to benefit immigrant community

Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting an outdoor “Evening of Stories & Songs” to benefit ministry to refugees and other immigrants on Saturday, Aug. 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The church is located at 1601 Sunset Ave., Lancaster, Pa.

The evening on the church lawn will include music from local musician Matt Wheeler along with an update on the Lancaster congregation’s refugee ministry by pastor Don Fitzkee and comments from Elyas Sadat, who will share some of his family’s story since coming to the US from Afghanistan. Kate Good, executive director of the Parish Resource Center (PRC), will introduce a new initiative to meet the needs of immigrants.

A group of local volunteers is partnering with PRC to create a Welcome Community Coordinator position. The position—which is intended to help fill the gap left by funding cuts to refugee resettlement agencies—will complement and expand PRC’s work with immigrants. The purpose is to connect resettled refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants with individuals, teams, and organizations in the community who can provide needed support. An estimated $100,000 is needed to fund the position, which will be initiated when $25,000 has been received.

An offering will be received at the event with the Lancaster congregation’s refugee ministry receiving 25 percent and 75 percent supporting the launch of the PRC Welcome Community Coordinator position. Those unable to attend the event can mail checks payable to Lancaster Church of the Brethren with “Refugee Benefit” written in the memo line or give online by choosing “Refugee Ministry” from the dropdown list on the church’s website donation page.

Water and popcorn will be provided. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. In case of bad weather, the event will be held in the church’s Worship and Event Center. For more information, contact pastor Don Fitzkee at PastorDonF@lancob.org

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