Which Side Is God On?

Greetings WAC Community,

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. – Psalms 9:13

Politics and religion are not like a football game where we pray that our favorite team wins.  We are talking about addressing poverty.  We are talking about feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and releasing the prisoners.  We are talking about protecting water, land and open spaces.

Politics and religion are not like a football game, a spectator sport, where others participate and we watch.  Now we need to strategize, stand up and speak up.  To do otherwise is comparable to what led to the the rise of Nazi Germany in the 20thCentury.

For Advent, prepare for the Promise.  Current events are not a spectator game.  Instead, we look to God for answers to where God calls you, me and the church.  It may be tempting to retire, retreat or remove ourselves from the fray.  It may be tempting to avoid controversy by not talking about what is going on.  That is dangerous.  That’s what the oppressors count on in order to succeed.

Which side is God on?  God is on the side of the oppressed.  It’s that simple.  It’s that hard.

This week in preparation for Advent, look at where there is political division and ask these two questions:

1. On which side are the oppressed, the side God is on?

2. What do you intend to do about it?

Here is to Rev. Dee Lundberg, the chair of the Wyoming Association of Churches’ Peace & Justice Team, who is at Standing Rock along with hundreds of others braving cold weather and threats of eviction to demonstrate which side they are on, the side of the water protectors.

An Invitation from the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne:

On behalf of Fr. Carl Gallinger, Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Cheyenne, Deacon Mike Leman cordially invites you to the 3rd Annual Interfaith Prayer Service. The service will be at St. Mary’s Cathedral on January 10, 2017, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am with a breakfast and reception following in Hartmann Hall.  

We will be offering praise and thanksgiving to God for our Wyoming Legislators and for all government leaders. We will also be asking for God’s graces to be with everyone who is working for the common good of the people of Wyoming during the 64th Legislative Session.

Please feel free to invite guests who would also like to pray for our leaders. RSVPs are not required; however, they would be helpful in planning for food at the reception. Please send RSVPs to Alanna Leininger ataleininger@dioceseofcheyenne.org.

(Note: I have been invited to offer a prayer at this year’s worship service.)

Fear not. Be bold. Do justice.

Blessings,

Chesie

P.S. The Wyoming Association of Churches appreciates your many financial gifts for our justice work in Wyoming for the oppressed.  Click here.  Or mail your contribution to WAC, PO Box 1473, Laramie, WY 82073.