Updated November 20 at 12:30 p.m. 

This week, federal immigration enforcement operations have caused disruption and fear for many in our community. In addition to what is being reported in the news, neighbors we know and love are sharing stories with us about how they have been impacted while going about their daily lives—at work, while volunteering at church, and while going to the grocery store. Of the more than 21,000 CMS students who have been absent from school over the past few days, 130 are students at Westerly Hills Academy, our partner school. Many are afraid to seek support at food pantries like the one on our campus.

There is a faithful groundswell of concern within our congregation and on our staff about what to do in light of these realities. Folks are rightly asking how we can live out the biblical imperative to “love the stranger among us” (Leviticus 19:34), offering particular attention to the most vulnerable in our midst. How do we respond to Jesus’ call to “love God and love neighbor” in a time such as this?

We are adapting our ministries as needs evolve. In addition to expressing neighbor-love through prayer, here are several practical ways you can engage:

1. Siembra Training: Siembra NC, which is endorsed by the Presbytery of Charlotte and vetted by our pastoral staff, is hosting a “Safe to Work / Safe to School” community-watch training for volunteers at our church on Friday, November 21, at 6-8 p.m. Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation and as we adapt our ministries to evolving needs, we want to make you aware that the location for this training has changed. It will now be held at Mayfield Memorial Missionary Baptist Church—not at First Presbyterian. You can learn more and sign up here. Please refer to the sign-up page for details and updates.
2. Nourish Up: Nourish Up is working to reach families who are afraid to visit food pantries by increasing home deliveries of food. You can learn more and sign up here.
3. Westerly Hills: As we look to our neighbors at Westerly Hills Academy, one of the best ways we can support them is by donating non-perishable food items for delivery to families who are afraid to leave their homes. Please bring any non-perishable foods to the church or directly to Westerly Hills Academy. For more information, contact Heidi Squires.
4. Outreach Newsletter (monthly): Sign up here to receive regularly updated information about how to serve.