Journeying with New Scots – Building community with refugees and asylum seekers

A one day ecumenical gathering of churches and New Scots for encounter and resourcing.

Date: Saturday 25th March 2023

Time: 10:00 – 15:30

Location: St. Mark’s Parish Church Of Scotland, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RE

Register on Eventbrite: journeyingwithnewscots.eventbrite.co.uk

Churches across Scotland have had the opportunity to welcome and journey with refugees and asylum seekers (New Scots) from all over the world. As places of hope and sanctuary churches are at the heart of building community with New Scots.

We all have a deep longing to be seen, heard, and accepted. What can this look like in your community? How can we work towards strong and cohesive communities where everyone is valued and can contribute their skills and experiences? How can newcomers be seen and heard as they rebuild their lives among us?

At this one-day gathering we will share joint experiences, expand our learning and strengthen our ties in a shared concern for these topics. Whether you have never journeyed with New Scots before, have built community with people seeking asylum for the last 20 years, or have sought sanctuary in Scotland yourself, you are welcome to join us for:

• Exciting workshops on topics like pastoral care with New Scots, non-verbal communication and two-way integration projects.

• Times of prayer, worship, reflection and preparation for Sanctuary Sunday.

• Inspiring stories from New Scots and their experiences of faith and welcome

• Opportunities for encounter and building community between churches and New Scots.

Come to be encouraged and equipped as we seek to deepen our commitment to build welcoming communities with refugees and asylum seekers across Scotland. God sees you in your toil and in your joys, in your challenges and in your celebrations.

Journeying with New Scots is organised in partnership by Scottish Faiths Action for Refugees, Faith in Community Scotland, and the Church of Scotland. The event is open to church leaders and members from all denominations, as well as members of all faiths, though it will be a specifically Christian gathering. The event will be free and lunch provided.

If you are a refugee or person seeking asylum and interested in attending please email David for more information about possible support for travel costs david.moodie@churchofscotland.org.uk

If you are interested in attending, and have childcare needs, please contact David Moodie for advice on what provision we may be able to offer. david.moodie@churchofscotland.org.uk

Register now: journeyingwithnewscots.eventbrite.co.uk

Please note that this event will be in English. You are welcome to bring along a friend who can help you engage if that would be helpful . We ask that you register them too, in order that we can cater for them.