I love a boxer named Sadie. She's been in my life for about 5 years now. She was 2 when we got her, we think or best guess there. Sadie came from the local rescue league and all we know about her past is that she was part of a court case and that she was under weight. Sadie started out as a very shy and fearful puppy. She didn't like sudden movement, noise or new people. She still isn't sure to this day that it's okay for her to eat her food out of her dish unless sits watch for her. She has grown up to show those characteristic boxer qualities, gained and maintained a healthy weight and has learned to love. I'm in awe of how she has let go of her past and has embraced who she's meant to be: a funny, curious, smart but stubborn, sometimes pain in the butt dog that loves to be loved and to love. Always wanting to go with, waiting and watching for her people to come back. She loves. She keeps watch of the house to make sure all is in order and I'm sure would protect any of us in this house if the need arose. Sadie has become more then most thought she would have. She has learned to let go and to be more then her past. Sadie I'm so proud of you. Now for me to continue doing the same.
For years now, I have heard in preaching and clergy circles about being political in sermons; the good, the bad and those who state that church shouldn’t be political. There are workshops, books, and podcasts talking about politics in the church with a variety of opinions. What do people mean when they make the statement that the church shouldn’t be political? The IRS has the most say about the rules for the separation of church and state/politics. If your church wants to be tax exempt, there are rules: don’t endorse any candidate or party, if you allow one party to use your space, other political parties also must be allowed to use the space, etc. The UCC’s general counsel, Heather Kimmell, has a webinar on this topic if you’d like to hear a more detailed explanation which can be found on the UCC’s YouTube channel. Churches have gotten “creative” in how to get around this, often partnering with another non-profit group to give support to a particular group. The UCC is proud to claim...
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