Preparing the Way

Twenty-five of us will depart from Glastonbury on April 17. Twenty-five fresh-faced and eager volunteers, looking to make a difference. From April 17-23, we'll be in Washington D.C., learning about People on the Move.

It's a topical theme, inspired by Leviticus 19:33-34: When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

When we picked the theme back in the summer, we didn't realize just how relevant it would be today, learning about Immigrants, Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced People. As the week approaches, violence in Syria, refugees across Europe and calls for a border wall and immigrant ban dominate global headlines. Our journey will explore the faith call to love others, particularly those who are far from home looking for shelter and compassion.

In the months leading up to our trip, we have learned more about who is on the move and why. During our week of service, we'll spend time volunteering with immigrant service agencies, refugee resettlement organizations, and migrant advocacy groups. We'll also explore DC, attend a bi-lingual church (brush up on your German now) and learn more about our country's heritage as a melting pot and a refuge. By experiencing the lives of those most vulnerable, and living together in an intentional community, we'll endeavor to meet God in the tough moments.

We invite you to follow along on our journey here, and to come hear more about our trip on May 8 when we preach at First Church in Glastonbury, CT. Blessings to you!