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We Can’t Wring Our Hands Tomorrow If We Don’t Fold Them Today
The President of the United States has issued the statement that “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” Along with that threat come threats to blow up bridges and decimate power plants and water treatment facilities.
Let’s carry that out to some of its logical conclusions: Shipments of medicine and food will sit on the roadside unable to get to the people who need them. Hospitals may run on generators for a while, but when the generators fail, mothers will watch their babies who depend on ventilators and incubators die. Emergency appendectomies, heart surgeries, and trauma surgeries of all kinds will happen in the dark if they happen at all.
Those of us who want to do something may feel like it’s too late to act, but it’s not too late to rise up for decency, morality, and humanity. It might be too late to impact Congress or the wheels of political machinery, but it’s not too late to do something.
Regardless of your political affiliations or loyalties, I’m encouraging you to get involved right now.
If you are a praying person you can—
- Pray that the President has a change of heart
- Pray that US military leaders hold firm against orders that constitute war crimes
- Pray that other nations unite to exert pressure on the President to change course
- Pray that an 11th-hour deal is struck
- Pray that Congress organizes and moves to stop the President’s plan
- Pray that Iranian leaders accept whatever terms will save their people from annihilation
We can’t wring our hands tomorrow if we don’t fold our hands today.
If you are not a praying person, and definitely if you are, you can—
- Organize or attend sit-ins or other actions in public places and government offices
- Physically prevent actions by the government, such as tree-sitting to stop logging
- Post or carry signs on public sidewalks and parks or in your own yard
- Light candles or hold vigils to express disapproval of these threats
- Wear symbols, display flags, or use art to convey messages of dissent
- Engage your private and social media lists to raise awareness
- Call or email your elected officials and demand that Congress call a special session to stop the President’s actions
May we be people who see the image of God in all humanity, and may we find within ourselves the courage to say “No” when the powers that be are in the wrong.
Oh Lord, hear our prayer.
Rev.Karen Woodworth
Sr. Pastor, upRising Austin
May 17, Ascension Sunday – “The Mystery of Our Faith”
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We’re happy you’re visiting upRising today. We welcome all who are seeking community through God’s love and grace. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or relationship status. Our hope is that you feel at home and sense the warmth of this community. One of the things we value most is creating a place where people can find belonging.
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All people 60+ are invited to gather on Mondays and Wednesday for socializing, activities, special presentations, and lunch provided by Meals on Wheels. The
This is a monthly, fellowship-centered gathering focused on authentic community, encouragement, and mutual support through shared conversation and reflection. It’s an informal, welcoming space
In 2017, we asked our unsheltered neighbors what they most needed. Overwhelmingly, the answered, "A shower." So the church bought a truck and installed
Spirit of Service
This ministry team is our connection to service opportunities. SoS maintains a food pantry and operates Project Brown Bag which provides food for food insecure families during school breaks. SoS also facilitates various community drives throughout the year, and beginning in 2026, SoS will mobilize the shower truck. Email us to learn more