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promoting hope, strength and Sabbath for our faith journeys in Wyoming.
We are present at the Wyoming State Legislature, not only to educate and advocate for justice and stewardship to implement our mission, but also to provide spiritual support for legislators who give their time, wisdom and service to seek a better Wyoming for all of us. One way we do this is our Welcome Luncheon including worship to be led by legislators to be at the First Presbyterian Church in Cheyenne on January 10, 2013. The luncheon and worship is declared a “Lobby Free Zone.”
Religious liberty within the midst of our differences is the topic of one of the resolutions enacted at the annual meeting in September. For the complete resolution,
Sean Weston, the President of the Kansas Ecumenical Ministries, spoke at the annual meeting of the Wyoming Association of Churches in September about the future of ecumenism. For an understanding of the resurrection relevant for our time, read a copy of his speech:
“Leadership” has been identified as a need from the Wyoming Association of Churches for the people of Wyoming. We are exploring how we can grow more spiritual servant leaders among our clergy and lay leaders in Wyoming. Leadership will be the theme for our 2013 Retreat this summer. Watch for more details to come.
The Rev. Warren Murphy’s award-winning book On Sacred Ground: A Religious and Spiritual History of Wyoming now in its third printing is still available for sale. One-half of the gross proceeds are donated to the Wyoming Association of Churches; the other half are given to the Thomas the Apostle Retreat Center. To order it, go to http://onsacredgroundbook.com/
Interested in serving on the Spiritual Life Team? Let us know by emailing us at wychurches@wyoming.com.
fostering respect for Wyoming's resources as holy gifts from the Creator.
The Red Desert is a rare Wyoming gem hidden in plain sight. The wildlife habitat, the unique ecology, the vast scenic landscapes and rich history makes areas of the Red Desert worthy of permanent protection. For some people, the Red Desert may appear to be a vast boring landscape that one passes through to get to somewhere else. People may think of deserts as lifeless and unappealing. But those having spent time in the Red Desert see it as a rare Wyoming gem hidden in plain sight.
More tours are being planned for the Red Desert during the summer of 2013. Watch for more details.
THE GREAT DIVIDE BASIN: A NATIVE AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE by Yufna R. (Mark) Soldier Wolf Elder, Northern Arapaho People written October 17, 2011 Why do Native Americans value the Red Desert? To the Northern Arapaho, the Red Desert is a spiritual place to be in complete isolation. In some areas, we experience a special kind of sensation. Places like Bear Butte, Medicine Wheel, and Fox Den are mysterious.
Resolutions adopted at the annual meeting of the Wyoming Association of Churches that had been proposed by the Sacred Ground Team. For all the resolutions, click on Reports above.
We recommend reading Green Church: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice by Rebekah Simon-Peter. For more information on creation care from a faith perspective,Click here.
Get involved! Interested in promoting awareness about and protection of the Red Desert? Are you concerned about climate change and want to know how you could help to mitigate it? Do you want to see your church become greener? Let us know by emailing us at wychurches@wyoming.com.
seeking to improve the lives of Wyoming's poor and less privileged.
The Wyoming Association of Churches is promoting donations of supplies for babies and toddlers for the Wyoming Women’s Center. The Wyoming Legislature in 2012 provided funding for a mother-child center and nursery in Lusk at the Wyoming Women’s Center under the Wyoming Department of Corrections. This will involve the renovation of an existing building at the facility for this purpose. Women who are pregnant when they are incarcerated who qualify will be able then to keep their babies
To read the state feasibility study for this project, click here.
For a list of items the Department of Corrections anticipates will be needed as supplies for the prison nursery
Walking with Your Neighbor workshops will be held in various communities in Wyoming and for denominational gatherings as requested. These workshops 2-4 hours in length are based on the scripture found in Luke 10:25-37 when Jesus is asked "Who is my neighbor?" and he responds with the parable about the Good Samaritan. This goes beyond
DVD’s with Study Guide are available from WAC’s Civility Matter’s Dialogues town meetings held on October 8. The topics discussed were:
- Judicial Responses for Youth Offenders in Wyoming
- Providing Health Care for Wyoming’s Poor
- Definition of Marriage and Civil Unions as Relates to Couples’ Sexual Orientation
The Peace & Justice Team proposed many resolutions that were a adopted at the annual meeting. To view all the resolutions, click on Reports above.
Seeking deeper connection and conversation with Native Americans has been selected as a high priority for the future. Watch for more on this in the coming weeks.DATES TO REMEMBER
Welcome Back Luncheon and Worship for Wyoming Legislators, First Presbyterian Church, Cheyenne, January 10
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Positions of the Wyoming Association of Churches are decided by a consensus of the board of directors who represent judicatories of the nine denominations who partner with the association. Positions are not taken on issues where there is not a consensus. Resolutions are voted upon at the annual meetings. |
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