Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Ave., Lancaster, is hosting an outdoor Evening of Stories & Songs to benefit ministry to refugees and other immigrants on Saturday, Aug. 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The evening on the church lawn will include music from local musician Matt Wheeler, along with an update on the Lancaster congregation's refugee ministry by pastor Don Fitzkee and comments from Elyas Sadat, who will share some of his family's story since coming to the United States from Afghanistan. Kate Good, executive director of the Parish Resource Center (PRC), will introduce a new initiative to meet the needs of immigrants.

A group of local volunteers is partnering with PRC to create a welcome community coordinator position. The position, which is intended to help fill the gap left by funding cuts to refugee resettlement agencies, will complement and expand PRC's work with immigrants. The new coordinator will connect resettled refugees, asylum seekers and other immigrants with individuals, teams and organizations in the community that can provide needed support. An estimated $100,000 is needed to fund the position, which will be initiated when $25,000 has been received.

An offering will be received at the event with the Lancaster congregation's refugee ministry receiving 25% and 75% supporting the launch of the new welcome community coordinator position at PRC.

Those unable to attend the event can donate by choosing "Refugee Ministry" from the dropdown list on the church's website donation page at http://www.lancob.org.

Water and popcorn will be provided. Guests should bring lawn chairs and blankets. In the case of bad weather, the event will be held in the church's Worship & Event Center. 

For more information, contact Fitzkee at PastorDonF@lancob.org.