Supporting Refugees: A Collaborative Ministry of Hope and Hospitality

Perry Highway Lutheran Church is thrilled to share the success of a collaborative effort with St. John’s and Trinity Lutheran Churches to support the relocation and settlement of a refugee family in our community. Thanks to the generous backing of a $40,000 grant from the Ethel L. Verney Fund, managed by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, and the combined resources and efforts of the three churches, we have been able to provide critical support to help a family build a new life.

How the Grant Works

The Ethel L. Verney Fund, established with a $4 million bequest, focuses on poverty relief and support. Each year, this fund provides large grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 to qualified organizations. This funding allows local ministries to provide meaningful assistance to those in need, whether through housing, financial support, education, or employment services.

Our Shared Mission

Together with St. John’s and Trinity, Perry Highway has used this $40,000 grant to:

•Secure, stable housing for the refugee family.

•Provide essential resources, including clothing, food, and household items.

•Assist with English language learning and educational opportunities.

•Offer emotional support as the family adjusts to their new environment.

A Community Effort

This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships. Each church brought unique resources, talents, and expertise to this ministry, ensuring the family had everything they needed to feel welcome and supported. Volunteers from all three congregations have stepped up to help with tasks ranging from setting up the family’s new home to driving them to appointments and creating opportunities for connection and friendship.

A Testament to Faith in Action

This project embodies our shared commitment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and reflects the core values of our faith. It also underscores the impact of grants like the Ethel L. Verney Fund, which enable local churches to go beyond their walls and live out Christ’s call to serve the most vulnerable.

We give thanks for the generosity of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod and the Ethel L. Verney Fund, as well as the dedicated support of our partners at St. John’s and Trinity. Together, we have made a lasting difference in the life of this family and have strengthened the bonds of our community.