Gaylord Oppegard served in the military from 1962-1965. But it was not until 2004 and after 30 years as a Methodist, that he took part in his first action opposing war and standing for peace.
Spirit in Action
Each week, Spirit In Action brings you stories of people living lives of fruitful service, of peace, community, compassion, creative action and progressive efforts. We will trace the spiritual roots that support and nourish them in their service. Above all, we will seek out Light, Love and Helping Hands, being shared between our many neighbors on this planet, hoping to inspire and encourage you to sink deep roots and produce sacred fruit in your own life.
Spirit In Action is an hour of interviews with those providing leadership in peace, justice and "good works", interspersed with relevant music. The theme music is "The Turning of the World" performed by Sara Thomsen (written by Ruth Pellham).
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J.E. McNeil/Center on Conscience & War
J.E. McNeil, of the Center on Conscience & War describes the message and work of that organization, helping those seeking conscientious objector status, and those in the military seeking to get out, whatever the reason, and the spiritual roots that led her to this work.
Jill Sternberg/Gamaliel Chair in Peace & Justice
Jill Sternberg was the first graduate of UW-Milwaukee's Peace Studies Program she is the Sept/Oct 2005 Gamaliel Chair in Peace & Justice. She has established a peace center in East Timor, training men and women in non-violence. Jill self-designed the first Peace Studies Major at UW-Milwaukee and has established herself as a gifted and creative leader.
Sandra Lyons/Bernadine Franciscan Sisters
Our guest is Sandra Lyons of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Sandra shares the roots and fruits of her life, including her years as a nurse midwife and her current passion as the director of Justice, Peace and Earthcare for her congregation.
Aaron Ellringer - Just Local Food
Aaron Ellringer's journey to living consciously, responsibly and healthily on this planet has included a number of years working with Sunyata Food Co-op before its closing, and as a major force in the creation of Just Local Food, a worker's collective bringing local and healthy food to Eau Claire.
Bill Wiese - The Ministry
Bill Wiese has served as a kind of representative of 6 Eau Claire area churches to UW-Eau Claire in a program known as "The Ministry". Bill, a life-long Methodist, provides a portal to the community for the students and enriches their lives by doing things like teaching free yoga sessions and sharing from his more than a decade under a Native American teacher.
Resisting War Taxes in Southern California
2 members of Southern California War Tax Resistance, Frances Schneider Liau & Cathy Deppe, speak of WTR, witness, community, and the SCWTR alternative fund.
Clearwater Men's Council
A visit with 5 men of the men's group, The Clearwater Men's Council. The group has been meeting in Eau Claire since 1990, changing the lives of hundreds of men over that time.
Paula Tibbs
Paula Tibbs is a member of Eau Claire's First Presbyterian Church clearly open to the direction of the Spirit. Her passionate concern for the people of the Congo and experiece as Elder for Mission for her church has led her to head toward seminary this coming year.
Chuck Fager/Quaker House
Chuck Fager has been the director of Quaker House in Fayetteville, NC, for 4 years now, advocating for peace and providing information and advocacy to those attempting to avoid or get out of the military, in one of the most concentrated military environments of the USA. Chuck is the author of more than 14 books and many more stories, articles and publications. He was a member of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's staff and a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War.