Within the last three months, several family members have moved south for employment. The city they leave behind once created opportunity, employment and community for families. They look forward to a new beginning, hoping to settle in a place where their children can experience healing and wholeness. The task of finding schools, thriving neighborhoods and a faith community are tasks they will face in a new city.
As families and communities transition, they are looking for hospitality and a way to connect to a city unfamiliar to them. The invitation to share your story and faith can be an encouragement to newcomers. Creating space for conversation and welcoming families is an opportunity for growth and hospitality. This welcome can go a long way in a new community. How are you creating space for conversation with your new neighbors?
This message is adapted from “Creating Space for Conversation,” written by Eva Yeo for the Women of the ELCA blog on June 20, 2013. The brochure “A Place for You,” now available in English and Spanish at womenoftheelca.org, can be a starting point to share the story and welcome of Women of the ELCA.