UMs called to give generously to migrants arriving in DC…
There is a humanitarian crisis brewing in our region that requires the heartfelt response of United Methodists. Since April, the governors of Texas and Arizona have transported more than 7,200 legal migrants to Washington, D.C. This political tactic of dumping busloads of people each day, some of whom have traveled hundreds of miles under difficult conditions, off at Union Station has become perilous.
Capitol Hill UMC, Rev. Stephanie Vader’s church, is one of six faith communities within walking distance of Union Station. They have stepped up to lend assistance to the migrants. The migrants come to CHUMC on Thursdays between 6:30 and 7:30am and usually stay until about 2:00pm, but some have stayed as late as 10:00 at night. They come with only one plastic bag for their belongings and are wearing flip-flops. Many are traveling with children and all are unsure of their next steps. CHUMC feeds them breakfast and/or lunch and provides them with basic supplies. But serious financial assistance is needed. The needs are enormous. United Methodists and their churches are encouraged to give generously.
Just $25 will provide a night in a shelter, a shower and meal for one person.
The church is also working with several secular groups to assist migrants with travel arrangements. Congregations are strongly encouraged to help address the overwhelming needs, which currently have no end in sight.
You can donate online:
https://www.bwcumc.org/migrantcrisisdonations
or
Text MIGRANT to (410) 220-2402;
Mailing a check made payable to “BWC Treasurer” with “migrants” in the memo field to the Baltimore-Washington Conference Center, 11711 E Market Place, Suite 1, Fulton, MD, 20759 ATTN: Dr. Emma Escobar.
How Emmanuel UMC is Helping
For those who want to give directly to Capitol Hill UMC, the following items are being collected at Emmanuel. We ask that all items be dropped at church by
Sunday, September 4
New or gently used backpacks for adults.
New or gently used sneakers or shoes for men, sizes 7-10, that are comfortable for walking. No dress shoes, please. Please tie the laces together so the shoes stay as a pair.
Manna Bags – see separate directions below – make your own, or donate supplies for bags to be put together at church.
Monetary donations are also being accepted. Donate online at https://eumclaurel.org/give/, or write a check to EUMC, with “Help for Migrants” written on the memo line (also include your giving number), and mail it to us at 107555 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, MD 20723 or drop it in the offering plate during worship.
Manna Bags
In the Bible, “manna” was food God supplied to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This provision came during a time when they could not farm because they had not yet come to the land that was to be theirs. The bag is filled with non-perishable food items.
Assembly Instructions to make your own Manna Bags at home
Pack a one-gallon size re-sealable bag with items such as:
• Water or protein drink
• Crackers (peanut butter, cheese, etc.)
• Granola bar, protein bar, or cereal bar
• Individually bagged cookies or other sweet snack
• Individually bagged chips or pretzels
• Anything in pop top cans: for example, Vienna sausages and canned fruit (remember a plastic spoon/fork)
• Fruit snacks, small boxes of raisins
• Beef jerky/Slim Jims – individually wrapped
• Nuts – individually bagged
• Chewing gum/lifesavers/mints/hard candy
To donate items for Manna Bags to be assembled at church…
Go to this Sign-Up Genius and bring in individually-wrapped items by Sunday, September 4.
We thank our EUMC family, as always, for their compassion, charity, and help!