Saturday Evening Service this Saturday (1/27)
6 pm in the St. Peter Chapel
Global Refuge
Global Refuge, a national nonprofit organization that has welcomed and empowered refugees since 1939, seeks to build a bigger table of supporters amid unprecedented humanitarian crises
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2023
Baltimore, MD – The nation’s largest faith-based nonprofit dedicated exclusively to serving and
advocating for refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the U.S proudly announces its new name, Global Refuge.
For 85 years, the nonprofit formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has been a national humanitarian leader through social services, advocacy, and empowerment to restore a sense of home. Since 1939, the organization has served over 750,000 people from around the globe.
The rebrand to Global Refuge marks a new phase for the nonprofit as it seeks to further grow its service impact and build a bigger table of supporters at a time when more than 114 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes by escalating violence, persecution, and climate disaster, according to the United Nations.
“We are thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter rooted in our profound purpose, rich history, and enduring commitment to walking faithfully alongside newcomers at every stage in their journey,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge. “The word ‘Global’ not only describes the diverse backgrounds of the children and families we serve, but also conveys the scale of our vision to grow our humanitarian leadership as a beacon of hope and welcome. ‘Refuge’ is inspired by our Lutheran heritage and conveys a meaning of shelter that extends across all people, faiths, and denominations, just as our work does. At its core, our new name speaks to the place we are creating for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in need, the world over.”
Accompanying the launch of the Global Refuge brand is a new website that enhances user experience and leans into rich, human-centered storytelling. The organization’s logo, inspired by the Statue of
Liberty’s torch, has undergone a modernization, taking a circular form in keeping with its “global” theme, serving as a timeless reminder that immigration is an integral part of the American Dream.
The rebrand comes on the heels of tremendous growth for the organization, which now boasts more than 550 employees worldwide. In 2023, Global Refuge also launched innovative lines of service,
including new programming in Guatemala for returned youth; New American Community Lending – an economic empowerment initiative to promote financial stability among immigrant families and small businesses; mental health programming for immigrant families and unaccompanied migrant children; as well as a series of Welcome Centers across the country to offer trauma-informed services to refugees and asylum seekers – thanks in part to a transformative $15 million contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
“For 85 years, the passion and expertise of our staff, volunteers, and vast partner network – particularly that of countless Lutheran congregations across the world – have shined brightly as a beacon of
belonging, opportunity, and grace for newcomers,” concluded Vignarajah. “For the next 85 years and beyond, where there is need, Global Refuge will be there to lead.”
About us:
Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. For 85 years, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn’t just our duty—it’s an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values, and serving as a
testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge.
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I attended the meeting for congregational leaders last Wednesday and also had a wonderful
conversation with Deacon Sarah Kretschmann, the Congregation Engagement Specialist for Global Refuge. Sarah walked me through many of the reasons for the name change, the main one being that many folks who could work with LIRS did not know that they could because they thought you had to be Lutheran to receive assistance. As someone said during our meeting we are mourning dropping the “Lutheran”, but we are looking forward to what is to come. If you have any questions You can either reach out to me (gracechurch617@gmail.com, 717-397-2748, and my cell number is in the directory) or email Global Refuge at workofwelcome@globalrefuge.org.
Peace,
Angie Rabbe
February 2024 Schedule
Please download the file for the worship assistant schedule and the birthday/anniversary list
Save the Date Mardi Gras Lunch and Talent Show
Sunday February 11
Noon to 1:30 pm
This year, Mardi Gras at Grace will be another avenue to laugh andenjoy good food as we support our youth’s trip to New Orleans!!! The youth will be helping in each aspect of Mardi Gras this year so your part will be to give a donation, big or small, to help them get to New Orleans for the Lutheran National Youth Gathering in July!
How do I sign up? Sign up with Kath, the church office, or on the sign up sheet available in the
narthex.
What should I bring? Please bring a monetary donation and a yummy dessert to share – the main dishes will be provided.
Do I need to share my talent? No, bring your laughter and appreciation if you would rather just be part of the audience.
Why does Grace church have it on a Sunday instead of on Shrove Tuesday? We get our sillies out in order to acknowledge that a serious season is about to begin. We do this on Sunday because it is more convenient than on a Tuesday evening. -Kath Verkouw
Outreach
Grocery Cards
Grocery cards are available at both services on Sunday mornings. You may order cards by calling Duane and Kitty Weiss. Remember all purchases of cards realizes 5% in cash back to Grace. These funds are used to support our many ministries.
Christian Formation
We will have two physical Lenten devotionals available this year. One from ELCA World Hunger which is a weekly devotional and one from Augsburg Fortress that is a daily devotional. We also have Lenten calendars from ELCA World Hunger that will be distributed to our Sunday School families.
All materials will be available for pick up in the solarium. Currently only the World Hunger materials have been delivered to the office, but we will put the Augsburg Fortress materials out once they arrive. We will have some more resources available for our children and adults as we get closer to Ash Wednesday. All materials will be available by Sunday, February 11th. Please watch the Grace News, Pastor’s weekly email, and the bulletin for more information about our 2024 Lenten Journey over the next few weeks. In the meantime if you have any questions please contact Angie or Kath.
Our Grace Family
Our Sympathy
We give thanks for the life and witness of Dennis Smale who died on January 15. Dennis was the
brother-in-law of Grace member Carol Smale and the uncle of Grace member Megan Supeck. Please keep Dennis’s wife Anna and their children in your prayers, along with the Smale/Supeck family.
gracelutheranchurch.com 