Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees

CTS Immigration Host Team

• We are preparing to host a newcomer family! This family consists of the two parents plus 4 children - 3 girls, ages 9, 7, 4  and 1 boy, age 5. The father of this family is the brother of Ghafoor, the father in the previous Afghanistan family we hosted.
• Can you help with any of these items? We are setting up an apartment for our newcomer family.  Gently used items in great and freshly cleaned condition are fine unless otherwise noted. The list will be added to as we learn more about our guests preferences - such as if they need a coffee machine or a rice cooker, etc. Don’t want to shop? Use the Simply Giving Link and we will take the family shopping. Walmart gift cards are also welcome!​
  

General Information

• Founded in 2023, the Immigrant Host Team is comprised of members at CTS helping an immigrant family navigate life in the United States. Whether that means providing assistance for day-to-day expenses, accessing affordable housing, or looking for work or connection in the community, the host team strives to listen and meet the needs of the host family we're serving.​
• To support the Immigrant Host Team, you can make a donation to our Immigration Host Fund online through SimplyGiving. If you're a member at CTS interested in getting involved with the Immigrant Host Team, you can contact Marissa. 

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Casa de Paz

• Casa de Paz reunites families separated by immigrant detention locally in Aurora. This organization focuses on hospitality and accompaniment.
• Join a large network of volunteers helping with hosting, transporting, and nourishing recently released detainees, among many other small acts of welcome. Or give in kind or monetary support.

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Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services

• LIRS is at the forefront of welcoming and resettling refugees in the United States, as well as advocating for just processes, policies and practices. 
• Respond to urgent needs, advocate, donate or volunteer. 

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​Lutheran Family Services- Rocky Mountain

• Among other services, LFS partners with LIRS in the resettlement and support of refugee and asylees regionally. Take action to support them. 
• CTS regularly supports LFS through outreach and congregational efforts.

Christ the Servant Advocacy Group

The CTS Advocacy Group meets the second Sunday of each month between worship services to urge support on issues of social justice and compassion, motivated by our biblical call. If you're interested in keeping up-to-date and/or participating with the CTS Advocacy Group, please fill out the brief form linked below:

CTS Advocacy Group Interest Form

​To support an ELCA Action Alert on House Bill (H.R. 1325) “Work Authorization for Asylum Seekers” click here.

Lutheran Advocacy & Social Justice Organizations

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado

• Impact local and domestic policies to create equity

Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services

• Demonstrate God's welcome through service and advocacy for immigrants and refugees

Lutheran Family Services

• LFS-Rocky Mountains provides services and support to vulnerable and marginalized people in our communities

ACT4RMS (Awaken. Confront. Transform)​

• The Rocky Mountain Synod's own anti-racism Taskforce

AMMPARO 

• AMMPARO facilitates congregations and communities in supporting migrant minors

LGBTQ and Ally Resources 

Couldn't join in the RiC Series, but hoping to learn from afar? See the resources below.

Understanding Gender and Sexuality

• Lutheran Introduction to our LGBTQ siblings: this resource comes from ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation
• Clunky Questions: Lutherans and Pastors answer some common questions that people may wonder, but hesitate to ask
• The Genderbread Person: this infographic helps explain up-to-date definitions and concepts around gender

Our 10th Anniversary Celebration of our (RIC) Commitment to welcoming people of all identities. September 2020

What does Scripture teach us?
The following resources are helpful to explore how to read scripture and understand context, including passages that are used to exclude the LGBTQ community and passages that demonstrate inclusion and reconciliation.

• Reconciling Scripture for Lutherans by Austen Hartke and Emmy Kegler: This Scripture resource sheds light on how Lutheran's approach reading scripture, and then applies this to passages about gender and sexuality.
• One Coin Found by Emmy Kegler: A memoir about her complex relationship with the Bible as a Lutheran pastor, life-long Christian and queer woman.
• Unclobber by Colby Martin: This book (and free cheat sheets) unpack the way the Bible has been used to harm and exclude the LGBTQ community. 

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Additional Resources and Books:

• Queer Grace: An Online Encyclopedia for LGBTQ and Christian Life- Coordinated and Edited by Emmy Kegler, ELCA Pastor
• Dialogues on Sexuality by Carla Barnhill, published by Sparkhouse