Today is the third Sunday in Epiphany, and in our series on “Light to the Nations”, Lois, Kirsty and Reuben share with us about the work of LASSN (Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network) and "Grace Hosting" - providing a space for refugees and asylum seekers in your home for a night or more.
Sunday Service 18 June 2023 - Refugee Sunday
This morning’s “Refugee Sunday” service inspired a wide range of emotions from anger to despair to love and hope as we explored some of the issues and stories surrounding refugees with Heston and Reuben.
10 Scriptures to Consider this Refugee Week
As we focus this week on the worldwide refugee crises, here are some verses to consider:
1.EXODUS 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
2.LEVITICUS 19:10
“Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.”
3.LEVITICUS 19:34
“The foreigners residing among you must be treated as native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
4.DEUTERONOMY 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.”
5.PSALM 146:9
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
6.ZECHARIAH 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
7.MATTHEW 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
8.JOHN 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
9.EPHESIANS 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
10.HEBREWS 13:1-2
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
May we remember today that the world’s refugees are our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we be compelled to care for them, to pray for them, to leave our doors open to them. May we be reminded that God is their refuge as well, and that God is ever present with them, just as God is with us. Amen.
With thanks to
https://venture.org/10-scriptures-to-consider-on-this-world-refugee-day/
Refugee Week
Next week (20-26th June) is Refugee Week. This Refugee Week, we’re inviting you to explore the theme of ‘Healing’. Through creativity and conversations, Refugee Week 2022 will be a celebration of community, mutual care, and the human ability to start again.
There will be lots of activities going on, both online and in person. One exciting event for all the family is happening on Monday evening between 6pm and 8pm when Little Amal, the giant refugee puppet, will be walking through the centre of Leeds.
