Pam and I received word that someone we care about deeply has been told he has cancer in several locations in his body. In addition, this past week blood clots flowed to his head and caused two minor strokes, leaving him essentially blind. He can detect some motion but not depth or detail of what is in front of him.

I've been praying and thinking. I know that other senses work hard at assessing the world around us when we lose one of our senses. And I am sure that this is happening to our friend. But the transition after the traumatic loss takes time. And this is where my thoughts have been focusing.

What is blinding me? What issue, event, hurt, opinion has "traumatized" me so that I do not spiritually see clearly now? And how have I adapted so that my assessment of my world is done with limited input because of my "blindness?"

Jesus indicated that our enemy has blinded people (John 12:40; 2 Cor. 4:4). But Satan is not the source of most blindness today. It is our stubborn refusal to take our hurts, sorrows, anger, offenses, or difficulties to the cross of Jesus. There is where forgiveness flows (both to us and from us). There is where healing takes place. There is where hope lives. There is peace.

Our dear one will probably never physically see again apart from the miraculous work of Christ. But I would suggest he sees very clearly. His eyes are set on another place, where there will be no more sadness or pain or sorrow anymore, because all this will be passed away.

But we can start seeing clearly. Again, it is only through the miraculous work of Christ. Our spiritual eyes can be restored. And we can say with the man whom Jesus healed: I was blind, but now I see.

Posted by Pat Jones at 7:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We're in the midst of another national election. From what I've observed, United Brethren churches keep a good balance when it comes to political activity, and most prefer to avoid partisan politics. Which is proper, according to the IRS publication, Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations. Consider this excerpt from the section "Political Campaign Activity":

"Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made by or on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violation of this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status….When it participates in political campaign activity, a church or religious organization jeopardizes both its tax-exempt status under IRC section 501(c)(3) and its eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions."

Most UB churches owe their tax-exempt status to the denomination, which provides an umbrella 501(c)(3) exemption. One politically vocal UB church could, conceivably, jeopardize the charitable status of all UB churches, and cause tithes and offerings to no longer qualify as charitable contributions. So it's a serious thing.

But not likely. We all know that the IRS ignores many churches (on all sides of the political spectrum) that engage in highly partisan activity. They seem reluctant--for now--to enforce these rules or to tangle with churches in general. But the rules do exist. I thought you might be interested in knowing some of them.

• Voter education activities, such as public forums and voter guides, are okay as long as they are conducted in a non-partisan manner. Likewise for voter registration efforts. To be non-partisan, these efforts must not favor one candidate over another, must not oppose a candidate in some way, and must not "have the effect" of favoring a candidate or group of candidates (i. e., a political party).
• Religious leaders can express political views only as individuals. They can't make partisan comments in official publications (newsletters, bulletins, websites, blogs) or at official church functions (like church services). To make the separation obvious, religious leaders are encouraged to clearly indicate that their comments are personal and don't represent the views of the organization. (I have a statement to this effect on my own blog.)
• If a minister attends a political rally and voices his support for a particular candidate, it's okay. No church assets are used, it's not an official church function, and he is speaking only for himself (unless he goes farther and says that his whole church endorses that candidate).
• If a minister stands in church and says, "It is important that you all do your duty in the election and vote for Candidate So-and-So"--that's definitely a no-no.
• Churches can invite political candidates to speak, but must provide equal opportunity to all political candidates seeking that particular office. And churches can't indicate that they either support or oppose a candidate. No political fundraising can occur at such events, either.
• Context counts, too. "A church or religious organization that invites one candidate to speak at its well-attended annual banquet, but invites the opposing candidate to speak at a sparsely attended general meeting, will likely be found to have violated the political campaign prohibition."
• Candidates can be invited to speak in a non-candidate capacity, without the need to invite opposing candidates. But you can't mention the person's candidacy for office or conduct any kind of campaign activity. Keep it neutral. You could say, "We're happy to have Congressman Smith with us today." Just don't add anything about his running for re-election.
• Voter guides are okay, but "they may not be used to attempt to favor or oppose candidates for public elected office."

That covers most of the key provisions. I put the entire document on the UB website, so you can download it in PDF format.

Posted by Steve Dennie at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I have been meaning to post this for sometime. When I remember, I'm traveling and away from my computer, and when I am close, I forget. But anyhow, I read a book recently that I thought would be good to recommend to you. It is The Very Large Church, by Lyle E. Schaller. Now, when some of you come back down to earth, let me tell you why I recommend the book. It has nothing to do with large churches or small churches. Rather, it is one of the more excellent books I've read describing the culture we live in. The chapter "The Consequences of Consumerism" should be required reading for every pastor, staff, board chairman, commission chairman...in other words, anyone in leadership in your church.

Mr. Schaller has a very perceptive mind as it relates to understanding our culture and the church. I dare say that this book will answer some of the questions you've been asking for some time, regardless of the size of your church.

Anyway, this is one of those "for what its worth" entries. Let me know what you think when you read it. Oh yes, if you don't want to purchase a copy, check it out of your local library. If they don't have it on the shelf, I am sure they could get it for you. It will be worth your trouble.

Posted by Ron Ramsey at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)