Dear SOVers and friends -
At the Oregon Synod Assembly we learned about "AMMPARO", a ministry for immigrant children.
Here's more:
AMMPARO Migrant Children
"Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza," ("God is our refuge and strength,") – Psalm 46:1
The word "amparo" in Spanish means the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. The ELCA's strategy to Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Due to our connection to companion churches in the region, including companion synod relationships, and existing ministries in the U.S., the ELCA is well-positioned to help ensure that these vulnerable children are protected.
In a holistic, whole church response that connects international and US outcomes, the ELCA has developed this strategy based on the following commitments:
Get involved
Pray for the safety of migrant children and families on the journey and for justice as they reach their destinations.
Become a Welcoming Congregation to accompany these children and families through their transition to life in the U.S. Link to resource. www.elca.org/Resources/AMMPARO
Advocate for justice for migrant children and families. www.elca.org/Advocacy
Accompany migrant children and families through the Guardian Angel Program as the physical presence of the church in the courtroom. https://Vimeo.com/157458987
Give to AMMPARO to provide opportunities for children and families in Central America and in the U.S. https://community.elca.org/donations/ammparo-donate

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Lessons for Sunday, June 25, 2017
Jeremiah 20:7-13
Psalm 69:7-18
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10:24-39
THIS WEEK
Wednesday 10:00 am Bible Study
Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 am SOV choir rehearsal
Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 am Worship
Kids of the Kingdom Christian Preschool
is registering now for fall 2017 enrollment. Please email KOK: kokpreschool at gmail dot com with any questions you may have or to enroll.
SOV Rummage Sale
July 14 & 15
Now is a good time to sort your gently used and clean unwanted items aside to donate to the rummage sale. Items can be brought to SOV beginning July 10th.
At the Oregon Synod Assembly we learned about "AMMPARO", a ministry for immigrant children.
Here's more:
AMMPARO Migrant Children
"Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza," ("God is our refuge and strength,") – Psalm 46:1
AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, to accompany children today and in the future.
The word "amparo" in Spanish means the protection of a living creature from suffering or damage. The ELCA's strategy to Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Due to our connection to companion churches in the region, including companion synod relationships, and existing ministries in the U.S., the ELCA is well-positioned to help ensure that these vulnerable children are protected.
In a holistic, whole church response that connects international and US outcomes, the ELCA has developed this strategy based on the following commitments:
- Uphold and guarantee basic human rights and safety of migrant children and their families;
- Address the root causes of migration in countries from Central America's Northern Triangle and Mexico and the treatment of migrants in transit;
- Work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.; and
- Engage as a church body with all of its companions, affiliates and partners to respond to the migration situation and its causes and to advocate for migrant children and their families.
Get involved
Pray for the safety of migrant children and families on the journey and for justice as they reach their destinations.
Become a Welcoming Congregation to accompany these children and families through their transition to life in the U.S. Link to resource. www.elca.org/Resources/AMMPARO
Advocate for justice for migrant children and families. www.elca.org/Advocacy
Accompany migrant children and families through the Guardian Angel Program as the physical presence of the church in the courtroom. https://Vimeo.com/157458987
Give to AMMPARO to provide opportunities for children and families in Central America and in the U.S. https://community.elca.org/donations/ammparo-donate

****************************************************
Lessons for Sunday, June 25, 2017
Jeremiah 20:7-13
Psalm 69:7-18
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10:24-39
THIS WEEK
Wednesday 10:00 am Bible Study
Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 am SOV choir rehearsal
Sunday 8:30 & 10:30 am Worship
Kids of the Kingdom Christian Preschool
is registering now for fall 2017 enrollment. Please email KOK: kokpreschool at gmail dot com with any questions you may have or to enroll.
SOV Rummage Sale
July 14 & 15
Now is a good time to sort your gently used and clean unwanted items aside to donate to the rummage sale. Items can be brought to SOV beginning July 10th.