Refugee Sunday
As the number of refugees passes 37.6 million (2023), we are now more aware of displaced people more than ever. And with growing calls to increase the refugee quota here, the church has a great opportunity to extend grace, manaakitanga and love to refugees arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand.
‘When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.’
Matthew 2:13-14
Matthew 2:13-14
Input for leadersWhy do people become refugees?
People are forced to flee—from war and violence; from natural disasters; from religious persecution, political oppression, and ethnic injustice; from food crisis, drought, and famine. They have no choice but to leave behind their land, their homes, their belongings, and their sense of identity. They run in fear for their lives, either within their own country (internally displaced people) or to another country entirely (refugees). And the heaviest toll is felt by the children. - World Vision |
Refugee Numbers
Check out these most recent figures from the United Nations Refugee Agency (updated 1 July 2023)
Visio Lectio
For some Visio Lectio images suitable for Refugee Sunday, see Easter 5 (Year C) or Ordinary 25 (Year B). Created by the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. © Sarah West. All Rights reserved, shared with permission. |
Operation Refugee![]()
Questions to think aboutDo you know what a refugee is?
Take some time together to research a definition that all ages can understand. Have you ever been a refugee? Do you know any refugees? How many refugees do you think there are in the world? Did you know that Jesus was a refugee? I wonder what it would be like to be a refugee? I wonder what we could do to help refugees? |
Jesus was a refugeeJesus was a Refugee - get the book/graphics on the Lost Sheep website and you can watch the story being read here
Worship ResourcesWorship resources from CWS may help you profile Refugee Sunday in your worship services. Download here
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