He died for you. Are you too busy to say a few words on His behalf?
On Tuesday, January 28, the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board will be voting on a Resolution to replace the "Moment of Silence" with an Invocation. Already, the board members have received a letter from FREEDOM FROM RELIGION (FFR) Foundation threatening a lawsuit.
Click HERE to read the threat from FFR.
Click HERE to read the Resolution to bring back the Invocation.
Three members of the Gilbert Schools Governing Board will most likely vote YES to the Invocation Resolution. The three board members expected to vote in favor are Staci Burk, Julie Smith, and Daryl Colvin. It is expected that 2 will vote against the Resolution. They are Lily Tram and Jill Humphreys. See the 1/14/2014 video of the Invocation Resolution discussion, which begins at 01:47:30.
Please arrive EARLY and complete a Request to Speak card prior to the start of the meeting. It will not be accepted if you turn it in after the meeting has started.
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Time: 7 pm.
Location: Governing Board Room, Gilbert Public Schools District Office, Building B, 140 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296
You will be speaking on Agenda Item. 8.01. Click HERE to see the Agenda. Item 8.01 reads: "Approval of a Resolution Authorizing of Voluntary Opening Invocation before the start of the Governing Board Meetings (Policy requested), Presentation by Susan Segal."
In addition to, or in lieu of, speaking out, please send an email to the Governing Board expressing your desire that they vote YES to the Invocation Resolution. board@gilbertschools.net
The bottom line message from everyone who opposes the Invocation is this: DON’T SAY ANYTHING I DON’T WANT TO HEAR. Another name for the “Moment of Silence” is: DON’T SAY ANYTHING I DON’T WANT TO HEAR.
The opposition will say: 1) "The board is establishing religion." (Really? Which religion, specifically? How is allowing Gilbert citizens the ability to invoke Divine Guidance "establishing religion"? Also, isn’t the FFR forcing its own “religion” of Anti-Religion on everyone?) 2) "We could be sued if we have an Invocation." (You could be sued if you "prohibit citizens the free exercise of religion." 3) "We need to be inclusive." (The board is inviting all religions to be represented. How is that not "inclusive"?). 4) "The Moment of Silence has worked well for everyone involved." (This was actually stated by Board member Jill Humphreys at the 1/14/2014 board meeting. The Moment of Silence–aka DON’T SAY ANYTHING I DON’T WANT TO HEAR–hasn’t worked for the many citizens who have for the last year spoken in favor of bringing back the Invocation.). 5) "I don’t want to be subjected to that person’s point of view." (This was stated by a citizen at the 1/14/2014 board meeting. The only way to never be subjected to another person’s point of view is to be declared dead.)
Many people, including the Freedom From Religion Foundation, use statements made by Thomas Jefferson to bolster their anti-religion arguments. It is impossible to believe that Thomas Jefferson would ever stand in this meeting and speak in opposition to a School Board wishing to allow private citizens to say a simple prayer at the beginning of their meetings. It is incredible that he would wish to silence anyone in such a meeting, because that person asked a Supreme Being to help the board make good decisions, and to offer His blessings on them and to everyone in the room. Could you visualize Thomas Jefferson telling someone, "I don’t want to be subjected to your point of view"?
As president of the United States, in both his first and second Inaugural addresses, Thomas Jefferson called upon God to guide him, and to bless the people of America.
He stated at the end of his first Inaugural address….”And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity." Thomas Jefferson First Inaugural Address
In his second Inaugural Address, he must have felt a stronger need for Divine Guidance, because his plea for help was much longer and more plaintive. President Thomas Jefferson stated….”I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their native land, and planted them in a country flowing with all the necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy with his providence, and our riper years with his wisdom and power; and to whose goodness I ask you to join with me in supplications, that he will so enlighten the minds of your servants, guide their councils, and prosper their measures, that whatsoever they do, shall result in your good, and shall secure to you the peace, friendship, and approbation of all nations." Thomas Jefferson Second Inaugural Address