WYOMING ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES an ecumenical community fostering and promoting, spiritual growth, stewardship of the land, and social justice in Wyoming since 1976 Report – September 2011 New Executive Director: In March, Chesie Lee became the executive director of the Wyoming Association of Churches. Lee, a former certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church, is a graduate of the 2year Academy for Spiritual Formation. She has lived in Wyoming 25 years, is an attorney and brings much experience working with nonprofits. Lee is a former chair of WAC when it was known as the Wyoming Church Coalition. She was the primary founder of Jubilee House, Inc., a transition home in Douglas, for women coming out of prison. She now lives in Laramie. 3 Active Teams/9 Denominations: WAC carries out its work through three teams: Spiritual Life, On Sacred Ground and Peace & Justice. Board members are appointed by the judicatories of nine denominations with churches in Wyoming: American Baptists, Disciples of Christ, Episcopalians, Friends (Quakers), Lutherans (ELCA), Presbyterians (USA), Roman Catholics, United Methodists and United Church of Christ. Updated Website and Now on Facebook: Go to www.wyomingassociationofchurches.org to learn more about WAC. 2011 Actions A Faith Response to Immigration, It Begins with Understanding the Issues, was held in Cheyenne at First Presbyterian Church, January 8 with 50 participants from throughout Wyoming. Speakers: (left to right): Carmina Oaks, Social Services, Jackson; Jen Smyers, Church World Services, D.C.; Floyd Esquibel, Wyoming Senate, Cheyenne; Amy Mendez, Presbyterian, Denver; Stevon Lucero, Artist, Mural Presentation: Walls that Speak Presence at Wyoming State Legislature WAC chose three priorities for advocacy for 2011: 1. Immigration like Arizona’s bill opposed 2. State Lottery – opposed 3. Nursery at Women’s Prison – supported