“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Jesus, Matthew 25:35

Welcome! is a resource kit for Refugee Sunday – designated as June 26, for Methodist and Presbyterian churches and July 3 for Anglican parishes.  The kit includes stories from refugees, prayers, lectionary notes, activities and other material for worship.  Refugee Sunday PPT Slide or PDF.

Download Four Refugee Stories to use in worship, small groups or schools.

If you need further information or resources, please contact us on 0800 74 73 72 or at cws@cws.org.nz

Every day thousands of desperate people take to the road or the sea, seeking safety from harm.  Will you welcome them?

Whoever. Wherever.  Whenever.  Each year on June 20 World Refugee Day, we celebrate the strength and courage of refugees and displaced people.  This year we think about every person’s right to safety, at a time a staggering 100 million people have fled their homes.   War and conflict uproot people from their homes and communities.  Most end up in neighbouring communities or countries.  Each year some resettle in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Since the first arrivals, our partner churches have played a significant role in this process.

On World Refugee Day, CWS will launch Operation Refugee – a time to pray, walk and eat.  We invite you to join us in our stand for refugees.  You might like to organise a Gathering or a Walk – invite others or you can make a donation to support our partners on the frontline.  Operation Refugee has everything you need from recipes, to videos and activities for individuals, churches and groups.  It will run until August 20, though you can plan to take part at a time that suits you.

Check out the Kete.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has announced record new figures of displaced people.

Image: Refugees from Ukraine line up outside the Wroclaw Centre providing emergency assistance through cash transfers in Poland.  The Centre is run by UNHCR with support from LWF and its partners.  Photo:  ACT Alliance/LWF

June 9, 2022