Assembly 2011: Who Is My Neighbor?
Display at Faith Baptist ChurchA tea server given by Moroccan mission partners of our host congregation adorned the hallway at the 2011 annual assembly – a fitting symbol for our theme, “Who is my neighbor?” and a reminder of the wonderful reception Faith Baptist Church of Georgetown gave us.
Keynote speaker Marilyn Daniel gave two addresses. She is a Presbyterian leader and immigration attorney based in Lexington (see bio). The slide presentations she prepared for us helped us explore the human scope of immigration and then the communications challenges we face in relation to this topic. DVD recordings of her presentations are available from KCC.
Five workshops addressed specific immigration themes:
- Professor Margie Ralph presented the biblical basis for Christian engagement.
- Sister Sandra Delgado led a panel that discussed congregational outreach services to immigrants.
- Ethicist Robert Parham shared a documentary video available through his Baptist Center for Ethics.
- Teacher and farmer Bonnie Cecil facilitated a panel on the relation of food systems and climate change to immigration issues.
- Attorney Joe Myers, on legal aid, provided resources he developed on the ways migrants are "the stranger" the Bible refers to, denominational resources to turn to, and legal aid resources available.
- In addition, Church World Service immigration specialist Jen Smyers joined us for a meal where we could consider the national scene and how the Council and CWS might work together.
Two workshops focused on major reports approved by votes on the 28th. The first was a vision document with recommendations for the KCC's future. The second was a new policy statement against and about racism.
Worship and prayer were important at the assembly. Opening devotions by Lutheran pastor Bimen Limbong, a recent US citizen, connected us in a new way to the parable of the early and late arriving vineyard laborers. Church Women United president Mary Jones also grounded us spiritually.
Evening worship began with a candlelit procession representing the members and partners of the Council. Baptist ethicist Robert Parham preached, alerting us that legislative struggles over immigration have only just begun and will affect the churches. A DVD of the service is available from the KCC office.
Evaluations of the event (available on request) emphasized both the quality of the up-front leaders and the fellowship time we had together over healthy meals and between sessions. We were blessed to have delegations of students from Union College and Lexington Catholic High School. Attendance overall reached nearly 200. A roster of registered participants' names and emails will help participants remain in contact, and the Council will communicate with participants in the coming year. Photos in the slide presentation above are available.
Join the Council in giving God thanks for the 2011 annual assembly of the Kentucky Council of Churches!
Print Article 
