Hospitality and solidarity with immigrant neighbors

Churches and the general public are invited to join the MCC East Coast Open Arms Network and our partners for a two-part event focused on hospitality, advocacy and belonging for our immigrant and refugee neighbors.

Program Schedule:

5 to 6:30 p.m. - Hospitality and Solidarity with Immigrant Communities

Learn how individuals and congregations can support those at risk of being uprooted. This session will cover legal rights, preparation for possible detention or deportation, and practical ways to extend hospitality and love to immigrant neighbors. Presented by Saulo Padilla, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Migration Education Coordinator.

6:30 to 7:00 p.m. - Supper

Enjoy a simple meal together. Please register here; contributions to cover expenses are appreciated.

7:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Bridges to Belonging: Welcoming Newcomers to the Community

This session will explore ways to foster empathy, welcome, and belonging for newcomers. It will provide insights on displacement, migration, and the role of refugee resettlement in the United States, equipping attendees with practical tools to help integrate newcomers into their communities. Presented by Andrew Mashas.

Neighbors Community Center at Hub450 is a multicultural gathering place for connecting, learning, and celebrating. We welcome those who have lived in Lancaster for many years and also our new neighbors from across the country or around the globe.

For more information, contact Rolando Flores-Rentas, MCC East Coast Southcentral PA Program Coordinator, at EastCoast@mcc.org. 

Learn more about what you can do to support your immigrant and refugee neighbors at mcc.org/immigrant-neighbors.