Alderperson Joe Prohaska's (District 14) Invocation At 12/15/2021 Common Council Meeting

Woodford: Okay, here we go. We're gonna have an on-time departure. I now call to order the Wednesday December 15th meeting of the Appleton Common Council. Tonight’s invocation will be delivered by Alderperson Prohaska.

Alderperson Prohaska: This invocation is from a constituent of mine who asked me if I could read it on his behalf.

“Lord of Heaven and Earth, we are grateful to have the freedom to gather together in this chamber tonight freely representing our fellow citizen city residents. We do not take that honor lightly. Especially during a season such as this where many of us honor the deep humility of the Creator God who so longed for reconciliation with His estranged children that He took on the helpless form of a baby to give us a glimpse of His profound love. He came not to be served but to serve.

“We in a lesser way, but still impactful, have gathered to serve and not to be served, and we are grateful. We are here representing varying backgrounds, personalities, convictions, and beliefs. All of us called and given the privilege not to serve our own particular interests but that of the precious and unique fellow neighbors who live near and around us. This is a weighty privilege indeed and we are grateful. We do not claim to know with finality what the best—what is best for those whom we are responsible. And many of us differ in the convictions of what [it] might look like.

“We need Your wisdom, Your guidance, and possibly above all Your humility to seek our common good together, offering our partner Council members the dignity and worth we would desire to receive from them. We recognize we need this as a fitting manifestation of Your humble existence, of Yourself and to our world as an example of that same spirit to our neighbors whom we serve. For that we are grateful.

“We are keenly aware of the challenging times in which we serve where illness has weakened and separated us from one another and for many has tested their limits of endurance. So many are weary, along, discouraged, and grieved by the illness and death of friends and loved ones.

“We have opportunity both now and into the new year to encourage them to connect and support each other whatever their differences be, to take steps to relieve their isolation, to care for each other in the midst of struggle and loss, in essence to build the fabric of real community in the midst of our common adversary.

“Strengthen us to do these things among those of our own spheres of influence—where we live, where we work. Where we educate, where we play, and here in this Council chamber. We are grateful for this opportunity. We do not have the wherewithal to accomplish these things on our own resources. We need Your help. We ask for it now in this season with all our hearts. Thank You for hearing our requests. Amen.”