Refugee Week: Welcoming the Stranger

‍Refugee Week offers us a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect and recognise the courage, resilience and contributions of those who have been forced to leave their homes and rebuild their lives in unfamiliar places. For Christians, it also provides a timely moment to consider what it truly means to welcome the stranger—not simply in principle, but in practice.

Across Scripture, we are reminded again and again of God’s heart for those who are displaced. The people of Israel were urged to care for foreigners because they themselves had once known what it meant to be vulnerable in a strange land. This theme continues into the New Testament, where Jesus expands the call to hospitality “I was a stranger and you invited me in”.

‍Hospitality, then, is far more than politeness. It is a deeply Christian practice rooted in recognising the inherent worth and dignity of every person as someone made in the image of God - it involves creating space for belonging.

‍This past week has been a beautiful illustration of that kind of welcome in action.

At the beginning of the week, we had the joy of hosting around 30 families at our Bracknell site—families who are in the process of rebuilding their lives here in the UK. Starting again in a new country comes with significant challenges: language barriers, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional weight of what they have been through and what has been left behind. Yet, despite all of this, the day was filled with warmth, laughter and genuine connection. Guests prepared and shared traditional dishes from their homelands, and as we gathered around the tables, community began to form.

Later in the week, we hosted a film night for children from local families who have fled their countries and are now finding a new home here. It was an evening of laughter and carefree joy. Children simply be children, enjoying a shared experience.

It also served as a poignant reminder that behind the word “refugee” are ordinary families. Families who want what every family desires: safety, friendship, opportunity, and a hopeful future for their children.

In recent years, this has been especially visible through the many Ukrainians who have come to the UK after fleeing war. The courage it takes to leave behind homes, careers, possessions and loved ones cannot be understated. Starting again in an unfamiliar country requires enormous strength. Yet across our communities, we are seeing people rise to that challenge—learning English, finding jobs, volunteering, making friends and contributing meaningfully to local life.

Alongside this, we have witnessed extraordinary generosity within our church family. When the crisis in Ukraine first unfolded, many people opened their homes to those in need. What began as acts of practical hospitality often grew into deep and lasting relationships. These experiences have shown us something important: welcoming others is never a one-way act. While we may offer help and support, we also receive so much in return—new perspectives, rich cultural experiences and genuine friendships that transform us as much as those we are seeking to serve.

As a church, we believe we are called to respond to the whole picture of poverty God reveals—addressing material need, relational poverty by nurturing meaningful relationships and pointing people towards hope and restoration in the midst of spiritual poverty.

That vision sits at the heart of an exciting new initiative we are preparing to launch in September: THE WELCOME COURSE at our Bracknell site.

‍This week, a small group visited friends at a local church to observe their Welcome Course in action. What we saw was both simple and inspiring. People gathered around tables, shared meals, practised conversational English and engaged in open, relaxed discussions. These small, intentional acts created an environment where individuals felt seen, valued and connected.

Building on that model, we are developing a course designed specifically for those who are new to the UK, including people from Hong Kong, Ukraine, Farsi-speaking communities and other backgrounds. The course will combine opportunities to practise English with practical guidance on everyday life in the UK. There will be conversations about British culture, signposting to local services and support, and guest speakers covering topics such as healthcare, finances, employment and navigating daily life.

Most importantly, this will be more than a programme. Our hope is to create a space where people can settle well, grow in confidence, build friendships and truly feel that they belong. We want to help individuals not just adapt to life here, but actively participate in community life - bringing their own gifts, experiences and talents to the table.

Of course, welcoming people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds comes with both opportunities and responsibilities. It requires sensitivity, humility and respect. As we step into this work, we are committed to approaching it prayerfully, seeking wisdom and guidance as we build relationships that are genuine and lasting. ‍

Ultimately, our motivation comes from the very heart of the Christian story. Having received such profound hospitality ourselves, we extend that same welcome to others.

If this vision resonates with you, there is still time to get involved. We are looking for volunteers to support the Bracknell Welcome Course in various ways, including hosting tables, helping with conversation practice, offering translation, preparing refreshments, assisting with administration and helping to build an atmosphere of community and belonging.

Register your interest HERE and one of the team will get in contact with you.‍ ‍

This Refugee Week, may we be people who open both our hearts and our communities to those rebuilding their lives among us. May we create spaces for friendship, offer practical support and help others find a place where they can belong and flourish.

‍And may we never underestimate the power of simple acts of welcome—a shared meal, a warm conversation or a kind invitation. Often, it is these small moments that make the greatest difference, helping someone feel at home once again.

Sarah‍ ‍