Dear Friends,

Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), the refugee resettlement program of the Episcopal Church, is observing 25 years of living the Church’s commitment to aid the stranger in our midst. This ministry flourishes because of the generous hearts of churches and their parishioners. They are the first to say that they get back more from their experience than they could ever give. 

If you haven’t been involved, consider the story of Panke Miller and the congregation at St. Luke’s in Atlanta. 

St. Luke’s congregational ministry has welcomed and supported a different refugee family each of the last five years through a partnership with Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services, the local affiliate of Episcopal Migration Ministries.

Members at St. Luke’s gather furnishings, provide transportation, greet newcomers, and most importantly, offer friendship to newly arrived refugees. Miller, a volunteer who coordinates St. Luke’s ministry, says working with vulnerable new Americans has brought abundant gifts to the congregation.

“Refugee families are grateful for anything we provide, no matter how humble,” said Miller. 

Refugees the congregation has helped are hugely committed to making a productive life for their families and a positive contribution to their new communities.  

“The refugee families we’ve helped at St. Luke’s constantly say how lucky they are to have a new future before them,” Miller explained. “This is humbling because they mask the tremendous losses the families have experienced.”

Many St. Luke’s members want their children to get to know refugee families – because language differences mean both need to reach out in ways that don’t require speech. Children and young adults learn about different cultures, faith traditions, and communities.

“When I say to parishioners that we’ve got Episcopal Migration Ministries – it means the Episcopal Church has endorsed this program. That makes a huge difference -- it carries a Good Housekeeping seal of approval,” Miller said.

Locally, churches and parishioners can welcome and support refugee families in a number of ways. Churches can commit to assisting a refugee family for up to several months, or contribute through activities that take just a few hours. It’s easy to learn more by visiting www.episcopalchurch.org/emm.

Panke Miller and the congregation at St. Luke’s did.  It changed their lives.

Peace,

Deborah Stein
Director
Episcopal Migration Ministries