Sep

20

ISAAC Updates – September 2011

Filed Under ISAAC Updates | Leave a Comment

ISAAC’S GUIDEBOOK FOR STARTING AN IMMIGRATION SERVICE MINISTRY: SECOND EDITION

The ISAAC Project is pleased to announce the second edition of our Guidebook for Starting an Immigration Service Ministry(pdf) .  The first edition was posted on our website in 2008, and although there have not been many changes in the process for recognition and accreditation, it was time for an updated version.

The main update has to do with Form EOIR-31, a federal two-page document that is required to start the application process.  The Executive Office for Immigration Review had modified this form since late 2009.  It consists of eight questions that have to be answered thoroughly by those churches and religious non-profits interested in starting immigration service ministries.  The 2011 edition of our guidebook includes a new section that provides guidance and much practical advice on every single one of those questions.

The guidebook also includes helpful links to facilitate the submission of accreditation/recognition materials and supporting documents to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, to the local Chief Counsel for Immigration Customs and Enforcement and the local USCIS District Director.  Other minor changes were made in order to make the guidebook a bit more reader-friendly.  We hope that the process will seem easier to those churches and religious non-profit organizations that wish to become federally accredited and recognized.

As the number of notarios and scammers continues to increase and many in the immigrant community continue to be preyed upon by them, this type of ministry is becoming imperative.  Being recognized and accredited by the Federal government allows churches to contribute to the well being of the immigrant community in at least two ways: by offering legal services in a safe and compassionate environment, and by educating both the immigrants and the general public about immigration law issues and developments. 

Sep

20

Good News Goods – September 2011

Filed Under Good News Goods | Leave a Comment

Good News Goods

Good News Goods to Offer Market Fee Discount

Good News Goods has some great news for churches interested in hosting a live catalog market this holiday season!

If you book a date for your market before September 30th, we will take $50 off the market fee. We hope you will consider holding a market this Christmas to support development projects across the globe, through our supplier, Trade as One and through the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger.

Please contact Anne Olson at 512-473-2288 or anne.olson@texasbaptists.org to reserve a market date for your church.

Sep

20

Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger – September 2011

Filed Under TBOWH Updates | Leave a Comment

Speakers will be:

Field Personnel, North Africa

Mike Garman, Pastor, Eastridge Baptist Church, Amarillo, Food ministry to refugee families

Next Hunger Offering 5th Sunday, October 30, 2011.

OTHER RESOURCES

Helping the Hungry

Getting involved with the summer feeding programs

MAKE A DONATION IN MEMORY/HONOR OF SOMEONE

Would you like to remember or honor someone special this year? Instead of a gift that will just collect dust why not make a donation in their name to the Texas Baptist Offering for World Hunger. Let your gift go much further in doing good work for those who are less fortunate.

Donate now!

5th Sunday Hunger Offering Videos

Next 5th Sunday Emphasis for World Hunger – October 30, 2011.  Prepare now.  Download 5th Sunday videos

Sep

20

Public Policy Updates – September 2011

Filed Under Public Policy Updates | Leave a Comment

Public policy Updates

Contents:

Churches, Politics and the IRS Rules

The 2012 presidential election is still well over a year away. Yet with the Republican primary elections scheduled for earlier than ever, and since Governor Rick Perry is a leading candidate, it seems like now is an appropriate time to be reminded of the rules regarding churches and political campaigns.

Churches in the U.S. are granted the extraordinary benefit of tax-exempt status. This is in part due to the astonishing amount of religious liberty we enjoy in the United States. Religious organizations are free from taxation in order to avoid “excessive entanglement” between government and religion and to foster religious liberty by allowing religious organizations to flourish without the burden of paying taxes.

Many other types of charitable organizations also enjoy the benefit of 501(c)3 tax exempt status under the IRS code. By giving folks a tax deduction, the government encourages support of organizations that promote charity and good works that benefit all of society. However, in exchange for their tax exempt status, these organizations must meet a few conditions. One such condition is that churches and other 501(c)(3)  nonprofit corporations are strictly prohibited from intervening in any campaign for, or in opposition to, any candidate for office. Of course this bar does not apply to individual Christians and fortunately there are still many things churches can do to promote faithful citizenship.  While the CLC encourages churches to let their voices be heard concerning public policy issues, intervening in partisan political races can get churches into plenty of hot water.

The CLC has compiled helpful guidance from the IRS about just what kind of activities can churches conduct, and what is prohibited. The complete publication can be found HERE. (Churches, Politics and the IRS Rules Book.pdf) Since the rules are not always black and white, and because the IRS will look at all the facts and circumstances surrounding the church activity, most of the guidance comes in the form of example scenarios. In order to simplify the issue as much as possible, the CLC has also produced a very simple can and can’t do guide. The checklist below is intended to help churches and ministers understand their legal boundaries when it comes to campaigns and politics.  If a church chooses not to follow the IRS guidelines, the church can lose its exemption from federal taxes, and donors can lose the tax deductible status of their gifts and offerings.

Texas Baptist churches need not run afoul of the law in order to practice faithful citizenship. Churches, pastors and lay members have many avenues in which to participate in the political process. Should you have a question about what your church can do, please call the CLC Austin office.

IRS Rules: CHURCHES CAN (.pdf)

  • Sponsor debates on issues.
  • Sponsor forums on issues and amendments.
  • Invite candidates to speak if all candidates are invited.
  • Teach the importance of involvement in politics.
  • Encourage people to vote.
  • Register people to vote.
  • Select member(s) to become “deputized voter registrars”.*
  • Distribute non-partisan information on issues.
  • Distribute non-partisan information on candidates’ voting records.
  • Have staff and members who support any candidate or issue they choose, outside of their staff role.

IRS Rules: CHURCHES CANNOT (.pdf)

  • Endorse candidates.
  • Make donations to candidates’ campaigns.
  • Engage in fundraising on behalf of a candidate.
  • Distribute statements supporting a political candidate.
  • Distribute statements opposing a political candidate.
  • Participate in any other activities that may be beneficial or detrimental to any candidate.
  • Issue partisan statements from the pulpit.
  • Issue partisan statements on church stationary.
  • Issue partisan statements on official church publications or communications.

Guidance on this topic from the IRS can be found on their website.

Environmental Stewardship

The Christian Life Commission has been working on various initiatives that connect churches directly with programs that save them money through energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades. Oncor, the transmission and distribution utility company that covers Dallas/ Fort Worth, Midland/ Odessa, and Tyler among other areas has a Matching Grant Program for Houses of Worship. This grant program pays for up to 50% of the cost for energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades. (The grant cannot exceed $100,000.) CLC staff has met with Oncor representatives and is looking to assist churches that are interested in applying for a grant to make improvements to their church facilities.

In the last legislative session, the CLC worked to pass a bill which creates an exciting new pilot program for houses of worship and community based organizations. The LoanStar program, long available for government buildings, makes low-interest loans for energy efficiency and renewable projects and will now be available to churches.

The CLC will be engaged in the implementation and rule making process for the bill and has already met with the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) at the Office of the Comptroller which administers the program. The CLC has also enlisted the guidance of the BGCT Church Architecture Department so that their knowledge and years of experience working with churches undergoing renovation can aid in the implementation process.  The new pilot program will be established by March 2012 and the CLC will help congregations that wish to participate in this low-interest loan program navigate the process.

For information about either of these opportunities please contact CLC consultant McCall Johnson at 512-473-2288 or email her at mccall.johnson@texasbaptists.org

CLC’s Austin Office Welcomes Bianca Dueñas, Public Policy Intern

I am the new intern at the Austin office, and I am very excited for the opportunity to be working alongside great people, who are passionate about the issues that affect our society.  I am originally from Mexico City but grew up most of my life in Laredo, TX.  I attended LeTourneu University for my first two years of college.  I was able to grow in my knowledge of the Word during that time and had the opportunity to serve as the Mexico Coordinator for the school’s spring break mission trips. I finished off my degree at UTSA in Political Science with a minor in Spanish.

God has slowly been shaping and guiding each step that I take.  He has kept my heart passionate about the same things but led me to take a different path.  He has redirected my steps from missionary work towards the legal field, where I can serve him just as well but could make a larger impact on society.  Two years ago God led me to what I call my life verse; Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

When God put Mrs. Suzii in my path and I heard of the work being accomplished through CLC, I was moved to seek an internship position here before attending law school.  I have a long history of having a heart for justice as well as spreading God’s grace and kindness.  Some of the issues closest to me are the fight against human trafficking, poverty, and for higher-education.  We were called to be the active hands and feet of Jesus and I believe we must represent Christ as best as we can.  We carry His name.  My prayer is that in all I do He may be glorified.  I am blessed to be able to learn, grow, and be sharpened by CLC in order to best serve others.  May we one day have the pleasure of meeting.  

Sep

20

A Word from Suzii – September 2011

Filed Under Director's Column | 2 Comments

Suzii Paynter, Director, CLC

What pattern for life? Labyrinth or Maze?

I began praying on a labyrinth several years ago. Stepping out of an ICU unit to a small labyrinth in the hospital complex, I found that I could pray and walk.  Walking the labyrinth gave me a rhythm that helped my mind and heart center on God when the challenge of the medical crisis around me brought only chaos.

Prayers and patterns have intrigued me ever since. I made the mistake of calling a labyrinth a maze. “A maze,” I was told emphatically, “has dead ends.” A labyrinth, although full of circuitous and unpredictable turns, ultimately leads to the center and out again. No dead ends. A labyrinth is built to require patience and trust,  but it is not built to frustrate you with walls.

Life plagued with addiction, it is a maze. The dead ends of illusion, loss and destruction rise up and stifle even the persistent. Frustration, despair, depression wait in the  corners – there is no way out but back. And even the fits and starts of retracing your steps in a maze do not guarantee progress. You are likely to end up in a dead end spot you have visited before.

The maze of addiction is a cruel trap. But the healing power found in treatment can transform the maze of addiction to a labyrinth journey.  The labyrinth is full of turns that are unpredictable and circuitous, but an it is an open path. A path that leads to God at the center and back out again to a new day. The geometry of the labyrinth requires the journeying pilgrim to make 180 degree turns. Like the process of recovery, there is a long path requiring diligence and patience. The turns cause you to face yourself and the very direction you just came from while all the while moving forward.

Even though we may not all be subject to addiction, we are faced with dead end patterns that turn our lives into mazes. The gospel power of saving grace removes the walls on dead ends and opens up a path with God. Trust, patience and a commitment to keep on going toward the center are the marks of a pilgrim who responds to Jesus call to “Follow me,”

I recently attended a workshop where we walked a labyrinth. Among the participants were two ministers who used a labyrinth in their church’s ministry to battered women in the process of rebuilding their lives. “It took me 10 trips to believe that God would actually meet me,” one woman said. “but I kept walking because someone walked with me all the way to God.”

Recovery Sunday and all the acts of compassion towards healing are an invitation to walk toward God side by side with someone who needs a companion. The journey to a healthy world is not made alone.

Sep

19

Ethics in Action – September 2011

Filed Under Ethics In Action | Leave a Comment

Red Ribbon Week

In schools across Texas this fall, students and teachers will observe Red Ribbon week during October 24-28.  Communities will be planning prevention and education programs to communicate to students regarding the dangers of alcohol and other drugs.

The Christian Life Commission is sponsoring Recovery Sunday on October 23 to encourage churches in Texas to highlight the issues of addiction, recovery, and prevention.  In addition, Recovery Sunday gives Texas Baptists an opportunity to affirm and encourage our students and teachers in their ongoing struggle against drugs and alcohol.

Red Ribbon week grew out of an effort to honor the memory of a DEA agent named KiKi Camarena who died in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel.  Following his death, friends and family began to wear red ribbons to honor his memory.  This tradition has developed into a national campaign to address the issues of prevention and education.  The CLC is available to help congregations to promote Recovery Sunday through providing educational, sermonic, and promotional resources.

Please join us as we encourage churches across Texas to confront the issues of addiction in our congregations and communities.  We encourage you to wear your red ribbon during the week of October 24-28 to show your support as students and teachers take a stand against substance abuse in their schools.

Some Ideas for Recovery Sunday:

  1. Pastor preaches a sermon on recovery.
  2. A testimony is shared about recovery in the worship service.
  3. The youth minister utilizes “Pathways to Prevention” and has a Bible Study about a prevention issue.
  4. The church could pass out Red Ribbons to the congregation in support of Red Ribbon week.
  5. The church could do a focus on Red Ribbon week and be supportive of students and teachers in the public school system.
  6. Hand out drug education fact sheets to parents of youth.
  7. Invite a counselor or drug prevention speaker to a special forum for youth parents.
  8. Include a bulletin insert about Red Ribbon week and/or Recovery Sunday.
  9. Have a copy of the 12 steps(pdf) put in the Sunday bulletin.
  10. Provide drug prevention information in the hallway for church members

Sep

19

Living the Christian Life – September 2011

Filed Under Living the Christian Life | Leave a Comment

Substance abuse updates
One step closer to recovery

I recently had the experience of testifying in court.  It’s quite an experience to stand before a judge lift your hand and promise to tell the truth in a court of law.  The words are powerful and can effect the outcome of a case, a life and a family.

Truth is also an important concept in recovery.  Unless a person can truly be honest about the reality of their life and choices then true recovery is not possible.  Actually telling the truth can be very painful as one admits to short comings, poor choices and sinful deeds.  Yet in the pain honesty, forgiveness and restoration can be found.

Step 5 in AA says, “We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”  As a therapist, I’ve worked with hundreds of people on this step and have gotten to be a part of the awesome transition from guilt to grace. For as a person is able to fully see the truth about their life and choices, repent, and experience forgiveness then one is free to walk with Christ in His grace.

Part of the struggle of Step 5 is to admit that wrong is wrong.  The step is a time to agree with God about the exact nature of the wrong and the fact that the sinful part of ourself is focused on covering up the problem.  Part of the freedom that comes in step 5 is admitting what we know deep down inside to be the truth.

One of the most difficult parts of step 5 is overcoming denial.  It’s tough because by definition a person has trouble understanding that they are in fact lying to themselves. It’s a person of courage who can honestly ask God to reveal to them the truth.  Yet by God’s nature, He already knows the truth and loves us unconditionally.  So a part of the step is to trust that even in the ugly, shameful and sometimes heart breaking truth God is big enough, loving enough and faithful enough to always forgive when we are truly repentant.

The Bible says in John 8:32, “For you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”  In the process of the telling of the truth, there is an internal peace that was lost years ago that is now found.  The truth does lead each of us one step closer to recovery and to a life of freedom in His Grace.

Sep

19

In the News – September 2011

Filed Under In The News | Leave a Comment

ABORTION

ALCOHOL | ADDICTION

BUDGET

CHILDREN

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

GAMBLING

HEALTH

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

HUNGER & POVERTY

IMMIGRATION

PAYDAY LENDING

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

VOTER ID