‍ Friday, January 30, 7-9:00 pm
“The Traveler, the Bishop, American Democracy and Christian Nationalism”
At Edmonds Center for the Arts

Join Rick Steves for a European take on Trump and American democracy (basically his “No Kings Rally” speech with an indoor voice). Then Lutheran Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee (ELCA) will share a hard look (inspired by scripture) at the perversion of Christianity called Christian Nationalism. Prepare to be inspired as Rick’s talk will examine how lessons learned on the road can help Americans better understand and meet the challenges facing Democracy in the USA. And, whether you consider yourself a person of faith of not, Bishop Shelley’s message will bring a new dimension to your thinking about the place of religion in the political discourse of our country. (Organized by Rick Steves.)  

Saturday, January 31, 9:00 am to noon

Edmonds UMC. 828 Caspers St. Edmonds, WA

This is a two part training presented by the United in Faith Coalition on our responsibility as Christians and people of faith towards the most vulnerable members of our community—immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Immigration Enforcement actions are increasing in our state and are expected to rise over the coming months. Our awareness and preparation as community members is critical in this work. In-person and online. At Edmonds United Methodist Church.

9-10:00 am - "ICE and the Immigration Crisis: A Faith Response" by Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse

Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse, author of the recent book on immigration "A Journey Called Hope" will speak on the horrific impact of the government's efforts to deport millions of immigrants and refugees from the U.S. We will explore how we got here and what people of faith can do in response. He is a Lutheran pastor, professor, author, and popular conference speaker. He served congregations in California, Oregon, and Washington where he assisted with the resettlement of immigrant families from Russia, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Ukraine.

Dr. Rouse was the Executive Director for Church Relations and Continuing Education at Pacific Lutheran University for 12 years. He also served on the faculty at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and taught at the Evangelisch Fachschule in Nuremberg, Germany.  He is a member of the Advisory Board for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Seattle University’s Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement.  He is the author of numerous books, including A Journey Called Hope: Today’s Immigrant Stories and the American Dream (Chalice Press, 2024).

10:15-noon – A Community Action Training on ICE watchand response. Volunteer trainers from the WA Immigration Solidarity Network (WAISN) will guide us in how to be engaged and responsive community members with training in “Know your Rights, (both yours and the immigrant’s) how to document ICE actions, whistle alerts, how to make a report to the HOTLINE and what to do and not do as a bystander. You’ll also have an opportunity to sign up for training to be on a Rapid Response Team or an Accompaniment Team.

Location: Edmonds United Methodist Church. 828 Caspers St. Edmonds, WA

The training is free of charge. Please register below.