Interested in training to be a sanctuary volunteer?

We've all heard "The Bystander's Credo" by German Lutheran Pastor Niemöller:  First, they came for the Communists, but I wasn't a Communist, so I did not speak out.... The poem was written after WWII  to exhort Germans that they all bore a measure of guilt for the evils of National Socialism for silent acquiescence to Nazi crimes, which amounted to complicity.

What YOU can do to "Heed the sacred call to give SANCTUARY to the vulnerable" ???

The ANWER from the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST:  "Sanctuary Rising.  The resurgence of the Sanctuary Movement works to provide protection in our houses of worship for those facing violence, discrimination, and deportation. We organize as people of faith and moral courage accompanying the most marginalized among us targeted by President-elect Trump's hateful rhetoric and policy proposals. We lift up the prophetic and moral witness of communities of faith against the unjust systems of power and privilege that keep our communities from living with the safety and dignity they deserve as human beings. "

Umstead Park UCC heeded the call. Community UCC can HELP!

On October 10, 2017, Eliseo Jimenez entered sanctuary at UPUCC.  Volunteers from UPUCC and a few other churches and synagogues serve as Sanctuary Hosts.  Each volunteer receives training on how to respond in case ICE agents come to the church to serve a detention order.

The training takes about an hour.

More volunteers are needed. Eliseo has endured this de facto detention for over two years, with no end in sight. Please help to give him hope and courage.

You can sign up for 2 hours or 20 hours a month. You can do it spur of the moment, or on a planned schedule. If a time conflict arises you can reschedule. You basically bring anything you would like to do while you are in waiting: read, correspond, use your computer etc. Sometimes Eliseo may visit with you.  It's the easiest volunteering you can do!

WILL YOU STAND with the Immigrant in your path who is being persecuted?

Contact  Diana Koenning at diana.koenning@gmail.com to be put on a list for upcoming CUCC volunteer training, or go the the Umstead Park UCC website "Visiting" to sign up.