Love Knows no Border

What does it look like to love without borders in a context of persecution of many?  Speaker Keren Rodriguez is a Congregational Organizer and Program Coordinator at Oregon’s Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (“IMIrJ”). Her organizing work currently focuses on creating rapid response teams, promoting sanctuary faith communities, and supporting community reintegration of newcomers to Oregon. Last year, she partnered with Washington County in creating a safe rest village in faith steward land where she serves as a pastor half time in Aloha, Oregon. Keren’s heart for immigrant justice comes from her experience as a first generation Latina. Born in Honduras, Central America, Keren saw extreme poverty and quickly realized her job was to share what she saw. She came to the United States after experiencing persecution from organized crime in her country while a child. On Sunday, she’ll use a reading from the gospel of Mark  (10:35-45), to invite us to deconstruct our ideas, challenge systematic oppression and reconsider how we relate to “others.” Keren’s passion to understand communities has led to the pursuit of Global Studies centered in development in Latin America at Portland State University. Currently, she is also working on Master’s in Divinity at Claremont School of Theology in CA. Keren brings her experience as a community organizer and ecumenist, while also striving to continue doing anti racist work, community bridging and belonging. Sponsored by Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.  Service followed by an informal soup lunch with Keren and Rev. Barbara Prose where questions are welcomed.