A special exhibit will be on display as one feature at this year’s Bethesda Bible Series. People on the Move: The Human Face of Migration, is a 12-panel Mennonite Central Committee exhibit telling the stories of migrants from Iraq, Mexico/Central America, Indonesia, Haiti, Palestine, South Sudan, and Colombia. The story of Mennonite migration to the United States and Canada is also included. The content gives insight to why people migrate and understanding in how to better safeguard the wellbeing of those on the move.
The display will be set up for Sunday, January 31, in the Bethesda Fellowship Hall and accompany the combined Adult Sunday School hour at 9:30 a.m. (please note the time change), which will feature Rochelle Heimann of Lutheran Family Services. Rochelle is a Career Counselor who works with refugees and immigrants. Her presentation will include information on the International Center of the Heartland – a welcome center located in Omaha for refugees and immigrants.
Five other speakers from Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and New Jersey will also join the event beginning Saturday, January 30, at 1:30 p.m. Each presenter engages his or her community with a focus on restoring, building, and supporting healthy community and individuals. Attendees will hear from community organizations such as: The Farminary Project – a 21 acre farm incorporating theological education and small scale sustainable agriculture; The Central Mediation Center – a private, non-profit providing mediation, facilitation, and conflict resolution training; Live:Yes! Studios – an alternative arts-based day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and Purple Door Coffee – a specialty espresso bar and coffee shop that employs homeless teens and young adults who want to leave homelessness behind.
Beyond the People on the Move Exhibit, other items of interest during that weekend will include artwork from Live:Yes! Studio artists on display and for purchase on Saturday only. Artwork, created by clients, is exhibited and sold as a way for clients to make a modest income.
Also on Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m., a Chocolate and Coffee Bar will be hosted to accompany a session by purple Door Coffee, with proceeds of a free-will donation going towards one fo the organizations Special Projects. This annual weekend event is open to the public with attended nursery available from 1:15-5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday School and Worship services will be reversed for Sunday, January 31, (9:30 a.m. Sunday School & 10:45 a.m. Worship). For complete schedule details visit www.bethesdamc.org.
