Standing with Our Neighbors in Oceanside

Over the past two days, ICE activity has brought fear to our neighborhood. Some neighbors are afraid to leave home, send their children to school, go to work, or shop for groceries. Racial profiling is adding to that fear.

If you’re wondering how to respond, here are a few ways to stand with our neighbors:

Show up. Join the Working Families Rally this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Oceanside Civic Center. We’ll say clearly: We do not want ICE terrorizing our neighborhood.
Bring food. Donate canned food to the Sanctuary Pantry this Sunday. Your gift can help neighbors who are afraid to leave home.
Pray with us.

A Prayer for Our Neighbors

God of refuge and courage,

ICE is in our neighborhood, and our neighbors are afraid. Some are wondering whether it is safe to go to work, take their children to school, buy food for their families, or answer a knock at the door. Be close to every family living with that fear.

Stop these unjust actions by our government. Turn those who hold power away from cruelty and toward justice. Keep families together. Help us listen to our neighbors, follow their lead, and offer practical care without putting them at greater risk. Give us courage to speak against cruelty and stand with those whose dignity is being denied.

May our church be a place of welcome, shelter, and steady love. Remind us that no one is a stranger to you.

Amen.