Refugee Support

Mission Statement

The Refugee Support Team, an outreach ministry of the Nauset Interfaith Association, is called to assist congregations and members of the wider community in responding to the global migration crisis. We are guided by a sense of our roots in a nation of immigrants, the witness of our faith traditions, and the principles of basic human rights which call us to acceptance in the face of rejection and othering.

We will partner with agencies and communities of faith, both locally and in the wider region to provide physical and social support on behalf of those already present in our midst: refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants regardless of status. Our task is to foster relationship.

We will monitor the political processes in which the migration crisis is set and engage in education and advocacy. We will maintain an awareness of our own need for learning and remain open to unplanned moments of awakening, action and collaboration.

Who is My Neighbor? Reflect and Respond to the Immigration Crisis

On Sunday, August 17th, the Federated Church of Orleans hosted its third Community Conversation panel of speakers.   Jointly organized by the Justice Committee of the Federated Church and the Refugee Support Team of Nauset Interfaith Association, the panel included speakers with expertise in various aspects of the immigration situation in the US today.  You can watch the full program here: https://youtube.com/live/otIGa4hYYh4 

PRAYING FOR ALL IN NEED
AND FOR IMMIGRANTS IN OUR MIDST
REFUGEE SUPPORT TEAM – NAUSET INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION
JUNE 2026

2 EASTHAM DAY: On June 2, 1646, Plymouth Court created (“incorporated”) the town of Nauset, extending far beyond the current Eastham. A few settlers from Plymouth had arrived a few years
earlier and it took them to 1646 to have a minister and a meetinghouse to qualify as a Town.
On June 7, 1651, Plymouth Court wrote simply: “It is ordered That the Towne of Nawsett be henceforth called and knowne by the name of Eastham.” Thus the town was not incorporated in 1651, as the signs along route 6 state – only the name was changed. Thus the oldest English town of our region is 380 years old this month. It’s the
town from which all of the towns of the Nauset Interfaith Association were later formed. Local historical observances must include the Nauset Tribe, who lived here from time immemorial, thousands of years before Moses. The English households that moved here and incorporated were not on vacant land. From ocean to bay, creek to creek, two communities were intermingled – two parallel governments, two education styles,
two patterns of lived faith, two rituals at death.

19 JUNETEENTH  God of all peoples, of all nations,
On this day of freedom, we celebrate triumphantly with all people of goodwill
that we might walk arm in arm towards justice for all.
Breathe into us your eternal breath, that we may never tire of ensuring a flourishing life for all people,
but most especially, those brothers and sisters whose growth has been stifled by the trauma of being enslaved.
O God, we know and have seen your goodness, and because of it, we cling to the hope that unity and liberation for all are within our grasp.
Continue to show us your goodness, that we may have the strength to advance your kingdom
with humility and grace.
– Catholic Health Association

20  WORLD REFUGEE DAY – UNITED NATIONS
“World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and honours the strength and courage of people who have
been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. This World Refugee Day, help keep the promise of safety alive. Stand with refugees. Until everyone is safe, we show up. Until everyone is safe, the work is not done.”
– website of the UN High Commissioner of Refugees www.unhcr.org

21 SOLSTICE: This day’s reports on the events at Stonehenge can remind us of the great power the solstice always has held over humanity. We can pray that this new season, whether summer orwinter, be a time both blessed and fruitful.
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FATHER’S DAY: While the origins of Mother’s Day can be traced to specific cities and “influencers” of 150 years ago, and to calls for peace, Father’s Day sprang up later – mostly as a parallel to Mother’s Day – in the early 20th century. Richard Nixon – in re-election mode and seeking antidotes to scandals – declared it anational holiday for the 3rd Sunday in June. Pray for all fathers!

28 PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET (PROVINCETOWN): One of the grandest days of celebration in the Nauset Interfaith area. In a festive mix of faith and culture, all celebrate immigrants from previous generations and welcome all today. More details: https://provincetownportuguesefestival.com

SACRED SCRIPTURE
Leviticus 19: 32-36

Deuteronomy 24: 17-22
Earliest codes for holiness and wholeness.

Psalm 75 & Psalm 85
Songs for peace in our world

Matthew 25: 31-46
The ultimate test for every nation and person!

PRAYERS FOR DETAINED IMMIGRANTS
Gracious God, we ask for your blessing upon our sibling(s), name/s ,
who have enriched this community and blessed us by being a part of it.
Now bless and preserve them at this time of separation.
Day by day, guide them and give them what is needed—
dignity, security, justice, and peace.
Stir in us Your Spirit, that we might do our part
to preserve and defend the dignity and security of our neighbors.
Give us courage. Give name(s) courage.
Carry us, together, from here. In the name of our Jesus Christ
who Himself endured these forces. Amen.
– from Global Refuge

FOR THOSE WHO ARE CALLED TO WELCOME IMMIGRANTS
Loving God, help us by your grace,
To banish fear from our hearts,
that we may embrace each of your children as our brother and sister;
To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity,
while responding to their many needs;
To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain
to learn the ways of peace and justice;
To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
To give witness to your love for all people,
as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
We praise you and give you thanks for the family
you have called together from so many people.
– Catholic Bishops, USA

THE CANTICLE OF CREATION
This October, many churches will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the
death of Francis of Assisi. Over the last two years of his life, he composed
this canticle, in four segments, to be reprinted here over this summer. The
first segment allows us to first and fully praise God, the Creator.
Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord!
All praise is yours, all glory, all honor
And all blessing.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy
To pronounce your name.
FASTING
As a supplement to the many words above, fasting can clear the mind and
heart. It is its own strong form of prayer. On a summer day, between
visiting relatives, embrace this practice in quiet privacy.

Cape Cod based allied organizations:

Brazilian Resource Center – nonprofit combines the skills of health professionals with a group opf local community members dedicated to exploring the health and wellness of our community body, mind and spirit.

www.healthministryusa.org or healthministryusa@gmail.com

Community Action Community of Cape Cod & Islands – “services for low-income individuals & families … to attain independence and self-sufficiency, …” includes an Immigration Resource Center.

www.cacci.cc or 508-771-1727

Latinx in Action – Serving the immigrant community of Cape Cod; www.latinxinaction.org email: inactionlatnx@gmail.com

Below, please use the link to the Immigrant Safety page from: miracoalition.org
Find Know Your Rights material and a Family Preparedness Tool Kit here using the QR code [in the link]. These resources will help you be better prepared if a family member experiences separation from being detained or deported.
INFO in cooperation with: Nauset Interfaith Association, Falmouth Immigrant Rights Coali1on

https://nausetinterfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CCSC-QR-CODES-Flyer-FINAL-FEB-6-2025.pdf 

Read excellent article “We Need Faith Based Immigration Reform” by L. Michael Hager at following link:     https://www.counterpunch.org/2025/03/19/we-need-faith-based-immigration-reform/