Upon a watchtower I stand, O Lord continually by day,

and at my post I am stationed throughout the night.

(Isaiah 21:8)

 

Advent is a time of vigilance.  At our last Regional Assembly, then mayor of Billings, Chuck Tooley reminded us how twenty years ago Christians placed menorahs in their windows during December in solidarity with their Jewish neighbors who had been the target of hate crimes. The movement was called "Not in Our Town."  He went on to describe how he created a Human Relations Commission in the city to combat prejudice and other forms of racism.  View his speech here.

 

During that same time, Margie McDonald, then Executive Director of the Montana Association of Churches led denominational executives to travel around the state educating people in our churches and communities about White Supremacist groups.  She was instrumental in making sure six skinheads were convicted in US District Court after verbally harassing the threatening a black man, his cousin, and the man's Hispanic girlfriend who were walking in Pioneer Park. 

 

Today the Southern Poverty Law Center tells us that 892 hate groups currently operate in the United States.  Some of those groups have viewed the results of the recent Presidential election as permission to commit more hate crimes.  The FBI defines a hate crime is an offense against a person or property motivated by the offender's bias against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender Identity. 

 

Twenty years ago, the church took action and hate crimes in Montana decreased.  During this holy season, may we continue to be vigilant to insure that all people can live in safety in our great land.

 

Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. (I Cor 16:13)

Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister

We are church together when we share our gifts. . .

• To manage Cane Ridge West Conference and Retreat Center 
• To offer summer camps for children and youth
• To credential and support ministers
• To aid congregations with the search and call process
• To provide aid in times of conflict or difficulty
• To train leaders in changing times
• To create entry points for those who are not part of the church
• To serve in mission

Please give generously to the Christmas Offering that supports The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana.

The Montana Association of Christians met in Butte this October 20-21st for MAC Connect 2016: Caring for the Vulnerable and Welcoming the Stranger with a focus on Advocacy to prepare and look forward to MAC Day at the Legislature on January 23, 2017.  The event included speakers and panelists  Steve Bullock, Greg Gianforte,Jesse Laslovich,Kristen Hansen, Ryan Lynch, Vince Ricci, Matt Kuntz, and Wilmot Collins.  

The goals of the event were to prepare and empower participants, individually and in groups aligned with MAC, to advocate for issues our churches have agreed are important, including, but not limited to (1) Abolition of the Death Penalty, (2) Supporting Children and Strengthening Families, (3) Prisoner Reintegration, and (4) Hospitality for Legal Immigrants and Humane Treatment for All.

With the event behind us, we now look to the MAC Day at the Legislature on January 23, 2017  to fulfill the mission of MAC which is 'to make visible our unity in Jesus by educating and advocating for justice and compassion, in our communities and our world.'  I hope you all will join me in doing just that in January during the Legislative session.  

The website (www. macmt.org ) will provide the most current information on the bills presented during the Legislative session that concern one of our four areas of focus. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about the focus areas or the event in January including how to connect with other Christians traveling from your area. Whether you want to attend to make visible or vocal your unity in Jesus, you are welcome and needed. Our lobbyist, Abigail St. Lawrence, made clear that our very presence in January at the Capitol building is noticed and makes a difference when she shared that following our last MAC Day in 2015, state legislators asked her,  " Please call off the Church Ladies!"   I only take that as an All Call to Church Ladies everywhere that we need you in January, and of course, church men too!

Wendy Campbell

[email protected]