This week is Refugee Week in Australia. As we know from experience at St. Andrew’s, those who are more recent arrivals to Australia – refugees and others – are effected by the pandemic in unique ways. Some are not eligible for government support. For others, the programs or promises made before they came to Australia were delayed because of COVID or changed completely. Many work in casual or insecure positions. And all feel intensely the separation from family and their country of origin at this time.

I pray we will continue to open our hearts to and befriend those in our midst who come from other lands and, this week, may we pray for refugees and those seeking asylum in particular.

Attached is a two-page offering from the Refugee Council of Australia addressing several common myths about refugees. I commend this document to you.

In Peace,

Christine

Rev. Christine Gilbert
Minister of the Word
St Andrew's by the Sea Uniting Church

92 Jetty Road, Glenelg SA 5045
P: (08) 8295 1771
E: office@standrewsuc.org.au