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Archive for social justice

Walk Alongside an Immigrant Family

Posted by Robb Serna on Friday, March 13th, 2020 in Adults, Serve & Social Justice

You have an opportunity to help form a new Accompaniment Team, matching with a new immigrant family to walk alongside and provide the support the family members need on their immigration journey. Each family has different needs, such as finding an attorney and journeying through legal and court appointments, figuring out how to access health and dental care and secure housing, or connecting to a food pantry and the network of community services available.

If you are interested in being part of a team of 5–6 people stepping into relationship with an immigrant family, contact Yvonne Murray (408-930-3733). She will set up an information session in mid-March where LAUMC’s existing Accompaniment Team members will share their experience, answer your questions, and invite you to discern whether this is where God is nudging you to be involved. While it is beneficial if you speak Spanish, it is not a requirement. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to help a family in need.

You Are My Beloved Child Memorial

Posted by Robb Serna on Monday, March 9th, 2020 in All Church, Serve & Social Justice

As humans we are drawn to stories. We react to the story of a real person very differently than we react to facts and statistics. A story enables us to make a connection and build compassion for that individual. From that compassion and understanding, we can grapple with the question of who God is calling us to be in the world.

The memorial in the Narthex, You Are My Beloved Child, honors individual stories of people impacted by social justice issues. The goal of the memorial is to engage people in a personal way on the social justice issues facing our community, making connections and building compassion. Its stories will feature real people who have personally experienced a variety of social justice issues, including gun violence, immigration, domestic violence, mental health, homelessness, and human trafficking. Each exhibit will include a single photo, story, and biblical connection—helping us make a faith connection to these contemporary stories.

In designing the memorial, Carol Damonte wanted to create an invitation into a holy space, offering individuals a personal connection, an opportunity for compassion, and—for those who are ‘doers’—an invitation to courageous action.

Compassion Week 2019 Report

Posted by Robb Serna on Saturday, November 16th, 2019 in All Church, Serve & Social Justice

The Compassion Week planning team has compiled the final results of Compassion Week 2019 (September 30 – October 6) and is excited to announce that the goals set for this year’s event were met!

  • 3,032 volunteer spots were filled out of 3,842 available opportunities
  • 119 projects were completed
  • 37 agencies were served
  • 7,591 hours of combined volunteer service

The Compassion Week team is grateful for the LAUMC community’s support as well as for the partner organizations that helped expand Compassion Week’s reach into the broader community. Stay tuned for information about Compassion Week 2020 and opportunities to participate in its planning and execution.

JustFaith Class, Sept. 11

Posted by Robb Serna on Friday, August 31st, 2018 in Adults, Serve & Social Justice

JustFaith is an intensive, small-group process for faithful Christians looking to deepen their commitment to care for vulnerable people and our planet. Many LAUMC folks have taken the class and recommend it highly. The next class will meet on Tuesdays, 9:00–11:30am, starting September 11. Space is limited so that participants can have a meaningful small-group experience, so please register for the 24-week class. Contact Perrie Erickson to register or to learn more about JustFaith.

Bold Service and Social Justice Opportunities

Posted by Robb Serna on Friday, May 11th, 2018 in All Church, Serve & Social Justice

Ramadan Feast and Fellowship

The Bold Service and Social Justice and Radical Hospitality Committees, along with our friends from the Pacifica Institute, invite you to participate in the Islamic tradition of breaking fast during Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and religious devotion. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk but enjoy feasts in the evening. On Thursday, May 17, at 7:30pm, come experience a fast-ending dinner that promises to be a wonderful evening filled with delicious food, new friendships, and the opportunity to discuss the many commonalities in our lives and our faiths. This year’s Ramadan feast will be held at the Pacifica Institute, located at 1257 Tasman Dr. B, Sunnyvale. Seating is limited, so RSVP as soon as possible. Carpooling is encouraged, as parking is also limited. If you have questions, contact Jan McDaniel.

Building Sheds for Sonoma County Fire Survivors

Inspiring Hope is a one-day, family-friendly, volunteer event in Santa Rosa, giving back to families impacted by the devastating Tubbs Fire. On Saturday, June 9, volunteers will assemble and deliver 100 sheds (from pre-cut kits) in just one day. The sheds will store tools and equipment for those who will be rebuilding their homes. The minimum age to participate is 10 years old. Sign up for the LAUMC Inspiring Hope Team by contacting Rick Arnesen.

Women’s Build Mexico Trip

Women and teens from Girl Scout Troop 60321 are heading to Rosarito, Mexico, the week of June 9–16 to build a house with AMOR Ministries. The trip is also open to women and teen girls from LAUMC. If you’re interested, contact Leslie Carmichael by May 19.

Middletown Fire Disaster Relief

A team of nine volunteers went to Middletown in April to rebuild homes destroyed by the Valley Fire in 2015. The team worked on two homes that were in the final stages. Our Advent Generosity funds for disaster relief were tapped to assist with this work. Check out the short video (including drone footage) created by Brandon Yen.

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