Sunday, October 27th, 11:20 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
In the midst of a dramatic increase in arrests and deportations of undocumented neighbors in the United States and here in Massachusetts, what would our faith have us do? As American Baptists, we believe in ‘Soul Freedom’. Soul Freedom is the deep seated belief that each person has a responsibility to follow their conscience as led by God’s Spirit. Could it be that the Spirit is calling you to stand with our most vulnerable neighbors?
Note: This forum will be preceded by a dialogue sermon at 10 a.m. between Kent Harrop and our guest, Aviva Herr-Welber. They will explore ways the Jewish and Christian faith speaks about welcoming the foreigner, alien, stranger.
Forum Speakers:
Aviva Herr-Welber is a community organizer with the Essex County Community Organization (ECCO). Her work includes supporting the formation of the North Shore Interfaith Sanctuary Network. Aviva will share about the importance of sanctuary and accompaniment for our immigrant neighbors in this moment, as well as the roots of this work in our faith traditions.
Mary Ann Hayes is member of the UU Church of Greater Lynn, which recently voted to move toward becoming a host congregation (providing physical space) to an individual seeking sanctuary as a part of the North Shore Interfaith Sanctuary Network. Mary Ann was a member of the core team that helped bring her congregation toward this decision, and is now a member of the North Shore Sanctuary Network Steering Committee. Mary Ann will share about the process and what this work has meant to her personally.
Oliverio Diaz is a member of ECCO’s Shining Together immigrant-led co-op, as well as a member of ECCO’s board. Oliverio will share why the work of sanctuary is important to him, and how it is connected to his own immigration story.
Bill Schneider, a member of FBC and on the FBC Social Concerns Committee, is leading an ‘Accompaniment Team from FBC’ to walk alongside the Unitarian Church of Greater Lynn. If your conscience leads you to serve on this ‘Accompaniment Team’, there will be a menu of options to sign up for: Daily prayer support, laundry, driving residents to medical appointment, overnight hospitality, meals, friendship visits, etc.