Migrant Justice Team

The mission statement of the Migrant Justice Team is as follows:

To facilitate the ongoing work of “Cultivating Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love” with the migrants in the communities of the La Crosse Area Synod.

  • We do this work by coordinating:

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Giving Opportunities

  • Advocacy Opportunities

  • Community Building Opportunities

  • Educational Opportunities

The team is a sub-committee of the Synod Church in Society Committee and is actively pursuing these opportunities. We are seeking to involve congregations and individuals from throughout our Synod. Our current project, welcoming and supporting seasonal workers being lodged at Sugar Creek Bible Camp, is an example of the relationships we are building with migrants in our Synod. You are invited to participate with financial support, or by joining with us in the ministry we are doing. We are seeking volunteers who would like to serve on this sub-committee. You are welcome to join in this important and meaningful work! If you are interested or want more information, contact Irene TenEyck at MigrantJusticeTeam@LaCrosseAreaSynod.org.

Border Immersion Trip

The Synod’s Migrant Justice Team is planning a trip to the US/Mexico Border January 29 - February 4 or 5, 2025 for a border immersion facilitated by Border Servant Corps (BSC). Space is limited. Priority for this particular trip will be given to participants who are interested in leading future immersion trips with BSC after returning to their congregations and sharing their experience. 

Border Servant Corps is a social ministry organization of the ELCA. This immersion program prioritizes accompaniment, relationships, and first-hand educational experiences about border issues. The immersion is designed to expose participants to a comprehensive spectrum of views about immigration and the borderlands through: 

  • speaking with first-generation immigrants

  • visiting local organizations working with immigrant populations

  • meeting with government officials to learn about border protection & law enforcement

  • learning about immigration law

  • building an understanding of the economic policies and realities affecting people on the border and beyond

Visit borderservantcorps.org/border-education to learn more about the immersion experience.  

Cost to participate will be approximately $1,200-$1,400 depending on flight costs. This immersion experience counts as continuing education for rostered ministers.

Click below to learn more and apply to join the synod trip. If selected to participate, you will be provided a Border Servant Corp application to register for the trip. Reminder: spots are limited and priority will be given to participants who are interested in leading future immersion trips. Applications due by October 15th.

Questions? Contact Pastor Dione at the synod office for more information.