Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
These words speak powerfully to us, especially during Refugee Week, reminding us that welcoming the stranger is not a side note to our faith – it is at the heart of what it means to follow Christ.
In our communities here in Horsham District, there are people who have left behind homes, careers, extended families – not by choice, but through crisis. Some have fled war. Others have escaped persecution or violence. Many arrive carrying trauma, hope, and the heavy task of beginning again in an unfamiliar place. Jesus reminds us that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome him. Each act of kindness, each moment of compassion, each open door is sacred.
We invite you to join us in lifting up all who are starting again in an unfamiliar land.
God of the journey,
We pray for those who have fled danger and disaster –
For families seeking shelter,
For children far from home,
For all who carry grief and fear into a new land.May they find safety, rest, and hope.
Help us to be people of welcome – generous in love, wise in action, gentle in heart.
Make our churches places where strangers become neighbours and all are treated with dignity.In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
We have churches who are working to offer practical support to refugees and asylum seekers, offering friendship, practical support and language skills. Members are also actively involved with the Horsham Refugee Support Group. This work is quiet, faithful and ongoing – but makes a huge impact on the lives of those we welcome. You can find out more, and discover how you might be able to get involved at horshamct.org.uk/refugees.