Nebraska Synod ELCA

Event Summary

Join the Nebraska Synod’s R.A.R.E. (Racial Awareness, Reconciliation and Engagement) team for an evening conversation about the current realities of immigration in Nebraska and across the United States. Hear from leaders on the front lines of immigrant and refugee welcome, ask your questions, and learn concrete ways you and your congregation can support immigrants and refugees in your local community.

Format and Schedule

• Format: Online evening event (live presentation + Q&A)
• Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
• Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m. (Central Time)
• Schedule:
  • Welcome and opening framing by the R.A.R.E. team
  • National immigration updates from Global Refuge
  • Nebraska-focused immigration updates from CIRA
  • Q&A with both presenters
  • Next steps and ways to get involved

Last day to register: October 15, 2026

Cost

• Cost: This event is free to attend.

Facilitator & Presenters

Rev. Dan Bierne
Rev. Dan Bierne serves as the Director for Mobilization and Faith Relations for Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services). Global Refuge provides the resources, guidance, and community to help forge a way forward for New Americans, offering a soft place to land as individuals and families rebuild their lives in the United States. Since 1939, they have built a legacy of compassion by walking alongside more than 800,000 new neighbors.

Khenda Mustafa
Khenda Mustafa serves as the Director for Community Engagement for the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA). CIRA takes on the most complex immigration cases, resettles refugees from around the world, and ensures all clients have access to the resources they need to live. Operating in six offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, CIRA’s team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. CIRA assists with all forms of family- and humanitarian-based immigration and never turns any family away due to inability to pay.

Who Should Attend

This event is especially suited for:

• Congregation members and leaders seeking to understand immigration in Nebraska
• Rostered ministers, deacons, and lay leaders exploring how their ministries can support immigrants and refugees
• Members of justice, outreach, or social ministry teams
• Anyone in the Nebraska Synod who wants practical ways to accompany and advocate for immigrants and refugees in their community

All are welcome.