… responding to the crises facing immigrants

Reading POWR, an ecumenical group supporting refugees

Responding to the crises facing migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and inspired by the “Lights of Liberty” community service hosted by the church, in 2020 UUCR formalized its work on behalf of Immigrant Justice by forming an action group.

Mindful that different people find different activities sustaining and effective, we have

• Written letters to MA state legislators supporting the Safe Communities and Work & Family Mobility acts in concert with UU Mass Action Network
• Taken part in the Jericho Walk, a silent witness at the ICE building in Burlington
• Hosted the Rev. Dr. Ruth Bersin for a church service conversation with our minister, Rev. Hank Peirce, about the mission and work of the Refugee Immigration Ministry (currently serving asylum seekers)
• Attended meetings of RIM’s Metro North Cluster of churches and temples
• Collected clothing and household items for an asylum seeker
• Supported RIM financially through Share the Plate offerings

Additionally, in 2017 we joined with the other Reading churches to form Reading POWR (People Organized to Welcome Refugees). Members of this ecumenical group raised funds (including $4000 from our congregation), located housing, and organized furnishings in order to welcome a family of three from Ethiopia, who had spent 12 years in a refugee camp in Kenya. Daily interactions—English lessons, GED tutoring, help with medical appointments, shopping trips, job search preparation, friendly walks and dinners—continued into 2019, when the family members moved to new areas of the US and new phases of their lives. Though current US policy has nearly shut off the arrival of refugees, Reading POWR still exists should it be called to service again.

We’d love for you to join us at any level of involvement. Please contact our Member Services & Volunteer Coordinator for more information.