The Hope That Is In Us

A conversation about the issues before us with the upcoming election

There is much at stake as the November election nears.  Whether we are Republicans or Democrats or Independents, the issues before our country cut deeply into the nature of a civil society as well as the proclamation of the Church and our understanding of the Gospel.  A gathering of laity and clergy will take place on Thursday, November 3^rd, to think about “the hope that is in us” and how the faith we proclaim relates to some of the issues at hand.

The conversation/discussion will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational UCC, Lucas Hall, 310 Bluff Avenue in Sheboygan.  Everyone is invited.  The idea is not to convert anyone to his/her political point of view, but rather to converse with one another about “the issues” in relation to our faith, including the influence of money in local, state and federal elections, access to the ballot box, gerrymandering (engaged in by both major political parties), the “Citizens United” Supreme Court decision, as well as some of the Church’s core beliefs as they relate to the environment, domestic and foreign policy, racial discrimination and other concerns/hopes we share in common.

The gathering will begin with two brief introductory statements by UCC member Calvin Potter, a former Wisconsin state legislator, and Frederick Trost, retired UCC Conference Minister.  Both are trustees of Common Cause in Wisconsin (a bi-partisan, non-profit, watch-dog organization composed of Republicans and Democrats dedicated to open, clean and responsive government.) These introductory remarks will be followed by an open discussion among those present, in which everyone is encouraged to participate.  We hope you will show up for an important evening and exchange of ideas.