From neighborhood hate crimes to campaign rhetoric, we see negativity directed against
Muslims. But that is not who we are in Minnesota. We are a welcoming, caring, respectful
community. You are invited to……
Extend a sign of good will by placing a sign in your lawn reading:
Helpful Hints to make your Blessed Ramadan participation successful!
SHORT TIME LINE - MAKE THE BLESSED RAMADAN PROJECT THE FOCUS ON JUNE 4-5 WEEKEND!
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Decide as a congregation to participate in the Blessed Ramadan project or make the project
known and let members of the congregation take the lead forming groups or acting as an
individual.
Ramadan begins at sunset on June 5 and lasts for one month – July 5.
Order or print your own supply of lawn signs locally. Find the artwork at BlessedRamadan.org.
We recommend you download the graphic files and send them to a local printer near you.
Put the signs in your lawn on June 4/5 and invite congregation members to take them home for
their own yards.
Increase participation by enlisting the help of your peace and justice committee, your refugee
support committee, and congregation members active in organizations seeking peace and
respect for diversity in your community
CREATE THE BUZZ IN ADVANCE OF JUNE 4/5
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Put an announcement on your website. Post it on Facebook. Don’t forget to tell your members
to like it on your Facebook site!
Include the project in any mid-week congregation emails
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Sample language: From neighborhood hate crimes to campaign rhetoric, we see negativity
directed against Muslims. We have an opportunity to demonstrate a caring spirit towards
Muslim Minnesotans! Put a lawn sign in your yard between June 6 – July 5 to wish a Blessed
Ramadan to our Muslim neighbors. We have joined with other congregations and the
Minnesota Council of Churches to lead the way and offer this sign of good will. We are one of
the congregations leading the way! We will have the signs ready for you to take home on June
5.
Sample longer language: From neighborhood hate crimes to campaign rhetoric, we see
negativity directed against Muslims. That is not who we are in Minnesota. When we are our
best selves, we are a welcoming, caring, respectful community.
We are looking for a place to make a difference. This lawn sign is a public gesture, a sign of good
will. We are standing in opposition to bigotry and hatefulness.
Ramadan offered a special opportunity for us to act now. Ramadan is the month of the Islamic
lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. In
2016, it is June 6- July 5. The annual observance is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is
performed to learn compassion, self-restraint, and generosity.
(Then offer details such as what you will do additionally or have already done at your place of
worship.)
WORSHIP BULLETINS AND VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENTS ON JUNE 4/5
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Sample language: From neighborhood hate crimes to campaign rhetoric, we see negativity
directed against Muslims. We have an opportunity to demonstrate a caring spirit towards
Muslim Minnesotans! Put a lawn sign in your yard between June 6 – July 5 to wish a Blessed
Ramadan to our Muslim neighbors. We have joined with other congregations and the
Minnesota Council of Churches to lead the way and offer this sign of good will. In fact, we are
one of the congregations leading the way! We have the signs ready for you to take home and
put in your yard today.
RESPONSES TO THOSE ASKING: WHY A LAWN SIGN AND WHY NOW?
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From neighborhood hate crimes to campaign rhetoric, we see negativity directed against
Muslims. That is not who we are in Minnesota. When we are our best selves, we are a
welcoming, caring, respectful community.
I am (we are) looking for a place to make a difference. This lawn sign is a public gesture, a sign
of good will. I am (we are) standing in opposition to bigotry and hatefulness. This is an
opportunity to practice hospitality and welcome to my Muslim neighbors.
Ramadan offers a special opportunity for us to act now. Ramadan is the month of the Islamic
lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. In
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2016, it is June 6- July 5. The annual observance is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is
performed to learn compassion, self-restraint, and generosity.
If your congregation (and you) have participated in other programs focused on respect and
understanding like an MCC Taking Heart Ramadan Iftars, that could be shared.
WE NEED LAWN SIGNS. WHERE CAN WE GET THEM?
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You can request lawn signs at www.blessedramadan.org . We recommend that you download
the graphic files for the lawn sign using one of the links. You may then send the sign images to a
local printer near you.
Or you can order from Impact Printing in St. Paul who will print a minimum order of 25 signs
measuring 18 x 24 inches at $6.75 each plus $1.30 for the stand. Buyers must pay shipping. Call
Impact Printing at 651-489-0803 or go to www.impactprintingstpaul.com .
CAN’T GET ORGANIZED BY JUNE 4/5? ORGANIZE AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN!
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Imagine people all over the state participating with signs popping up all over the landscape! Do
what you can as quickly as you can. For those in apartments and condos, as possible, consider a
sign in your window or on your door.
Help spread the word of respect and welcome for our Muslim neighbors during Ramadan!
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