IWC held a social potluck for volunteers and partners on Sept. 9, 2026, at the University Presbyterian Church (UPC). The aim was to bring people together in solidarity with immigrants. Dozens of people shared fellowship and a potluck meal. One lucky person won a beautiful gift basket as a door prize!
A highlight of the event was making beautiful pray flags with members of the UPC Prayer Flag Ministry. UPC’s former pastor Rev. Kelly Allen started IWC. Upon her unexpected death, church member Mary Lance made several hand-sized fabric collages which she gave to Kelly’s friends and family and friends in a gesture of comfort. Others joined Mary in creating these flags to be given in times of joy and sorrow. They are based on the ancient tradition of Tibetan prayer flags. Prayers are printed on pieces of cloth or paper and then strung across mountains of Tibet. The belief is that printed prayers for peace, compassion, strength and wisdom would be released by the wind into the universe.
In that tradition, the flags made by UPC’s group offer prayers for the hundreds of refugees served by IWC in memory of Rev. Kelly Allen. Suggested donations of $15-$25 per flag – with the proceeds benefiting IWC.
IWC’s next social event will be a multicultural potluck.
