PRESBYTERY LEGAL AID RELIEF FREE WILL OFFERING

For help, the point of contact is Westhope Pastor,
Rev. Erik Swanson: esfishrev@gmail.com, (408) 255-0955

December 10, 2025

God’s peace be with all the churches in the San José Presbytery.

As many of us are deeply aware, there has been a marked increase in I.C.E. activity within the bounds of our Presbytery that has caused chaos and fear in our siblings in immigrant communities. Many of those detained by I.C.E. have no legal representation and have no chance in the court system. As those who follow the Christ, many of us have felt helpless to intercede, yet have longed for a way to respond.

Announcing the Presbytery Legal Aid Relief Free Will Offering:

The Presbytery of San José has provided a way to directly aid those in their most profound need through a newly-established partnership with two well-known and accredited social justice groups, Amigos de Guadalupe in San José and Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County. The Peace and Justice Work Group asks all churches in the Presbytery and all those congregants to prayerfully consider a free will offering to go directly to legal aid for those at risk of deportation.

Maximize your Impact through Matching Funds!

Acknowledging the profound need at this moment, the Presbytery has graciously set aside up to $15,000 of matching grant funds, to double the collection from churches in the Presbytery. The offering will run from Dec. 1st through Pentecost Sunday, as we embody the work of the Spirit tangibly in this Presbytery.

Can we join together to be a powerful witness of Christ’s love for those in the greatest need?

Please forward this appeal to your session and your congregation by including it in your bulletins and newsletters.

Logistical Information About the Presbytery Legal Aid Relief Free Will Offering:

The Peace and Justice Work Group's goal is to raise $60,000 between Dec 1, 2025 and Pentecost Sunday –May 24, 2026, earmarked to pay legal fees of people facing deportation from within the bounds of the Presbytery of San José. Donations must be made directly to funds established for this purpose at Amigos de Guadalupe in Santa Clara County and the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County.

On behalf of the Presbytery of San José, Executive Presbyter Rev. Dr. Neal Presa pledges to match the first $7,500 in donations to each organization, for a total of $15,000. Matching funds will be distributed in the middle of the drive, and on or around May 24th, 2026, Pentecost Sunday.

For help, the point of contact is Westhope Pastor, Rev. Erik Swanson: esfishrev@gmail.com, (408) 255-0955. 

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

  • Amigos de Guadalupe Rapid Response Network Legal Services (Santa Clara County)

  • Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County

    • Cash dropped off at 406 Main Street to 2nd floor reception

    • Checks sent to 406 Main Street Ste 207, Watsonville, Ca 95016

    • cabinc.org Donate to Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County 
      Please check "SCCIP-IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES—Presbytery of San Jose Donor"
      (this will be set up by Fri, Dec 12)

    • Stock Donation:  Please email CFO directly lorettaz@cabinc.org

May God continue to guide you as we all seek to faithfully respond to the unique calling in this moment.

Blessings to you,

Peace and Justice Work Group, Presbytery of San José
Rev. Julianne Porras-Center, co-chair
Elder Beth Wylie, co-chair
Rev. Erik Swanson, Pastor, Westhope Presbyterian Church