We have these guidelines in order to comply with the political campaign and taxation laws of both the U.S. and Canada. Due to Canada Revenue Agency law, it is not permissible for charitable organizations like the CRCNA to make statements supporting or opposing specific candidates, politicians, or political parties. Similarly, U.S. tax law also prohibits nonprofits and churches from engaging in campaign activities supporting or opposing specific political candidates.
Respectful discussion of public policy in the context of our faith and work as a denomination is welcome and encouraged.
Thanks for this reflection, Dave! It's so true that we all benefit from the support and accountability from all of us, together. It's also true that we all can better find support and encouragement from each other.
Thanks so much for all the work you do, Julia! We're so thankful to have you working with us here at the CRCNA, supporting churches and congregations through challenging circumstances.
One is taking time in the middle of the day, over lunch, to pull myself away from my screens and go outside, if at all possible. I find that sitting on a screen for so many hours a day puts up a little electronic barrier between myself and God, and taking even a few minutes to breathe fresh (well, this time of year more like freezing) air and re-orient myself to God's presence.
I like writing out scripture, too, on an actual, physical piece of paper. There's something about the scratchyness of "real" things that helps me better concentrate and engage.
What are some spiritual practices you engage in? How do they help you connect and re-orient yourself towards God?
Thanks for this insightful reflection! AI is a huge topic right now, and I look forward to hearing more about what you've learned about how it is impacting the church.
Posted in: Church Stewardship: Why Do People Give?
Thank you for this helpful post, Jeff! It's great encouragement to help church leaders encourage and model giving.
Posted in: What Does It Mean to Be a Bi-National Denomination When the Rhetoric Between the Two Nations Becomes Bitter?
Thank you for raising this question, Virginia.
I would like to remind everyone of the community guidelines.
We have these guidelines in order to comply with the political campaign and taxation laws of both the U.S. and Canada. Due to Canada Revenue Agency law, it is not permissible for charitable organizations like the CRCNA to make statements supporting or opposing specific candidates, politicians, or political parties. Similarly, U.S. tax law also prohibits nonprofits and churches from engaging in campaign activities supporting or opposing specific political candidates.
Respectful discussion of public policy in the context of our faith and work as a denomination is welcome and encouraged.
Posted in: Lady Wisdom
Thank you so much for sharing this reflection, Linda! It's such a good reminder and guidance for us all to seek wisdom in our lives.
Posted in: What Does It Mean to Be "Called and Sent" this Lent?
Thank you so much for your reflections, Scott! This is such a great reminder for us all to reorient ourselves this Lenten season to be missional.
Posted in: Before You Send that Angry Letter: A Call for Kindness in Communication
Thank you for your reflections, Anita!
Posted in: Why a Denomination: Support and Accountability
Thanks for this reflection, Dave! It's so true that we all benefit from the support and accountability from all of us, together. It's also true that we all can better find support and encouragement from each other.
Posted in: Welcoming Refugees: A Longstanding CRCNA Tradition
Here is a plethora of Network resources:
Refugee Sunday Offering Material (Canada)
Refugee Justice for Kids!
Why Sponsor Refugees: A Sermon Starter for Refugee Sunday
Respectful Witness to Refugees
Chaplain Prayers: Refugees
Refugee Justice Worship Resources
World Refugee Day Toolkit
Advent Activities for the Refugee Crisis
Continue Welcoming Refugees with a Faithful Budget
Connecting Refugees and Residents for Christ
Welcoming Refugees: It's Who We Are
The Refugee Crisis: Make It Personal
Welcoming Refugees Photo Series
Immigration is Our Story
Myth-Busting Fact Sheet about Immigrants and Refugees in Canada
Posted in: Welcoming Refugees: A Longstanding CRCNA Tradition
And here is a series of resources from official denomination sources about immigrants and refugees in both the U.S. and Canada:
2010 Synodical Statement on Immigration and Migrant Workers
Prayer and Call to Action on Immigration
Immigration Resources
Do Justice podcast (Apple Podcasts, also accessible elsewhere)
Do Justice blog
Immigration is Our Story Audio Series
Immigration Support from Thrive
Thrive Justice resources
Posted in: Meet Julia Rathbun, Your Safe Church Consultant
Thanks so much for all the work you do, Julia! We're so thankful to have you working with us here at the CRCNA, supporting churches and congregations through challenging circumstances.
Posted in: What Spiritual Disciplines Connect You to God in a Disconnected Age?
I have a few practices I engage in.
One is taking time in the middle of the day, over lunch, to pull myself away from my screens and go outside, if at all possible. I find that sitting on a screen for so many hours a day puts up a little electronic barrier between myself and God, and taking even a few minutes to breathe fresh (well, this time of year more like freezing) air and re-orient myself to God's presence.
I like writing out scripture, too, on an actual, physical piece of paper. There's something about the scratchyness of "real" things that helps me better concentrate and engage.
What are some spiritual practices you engage in? How do they help you connect and re-orient yourself towards God?
Posted in: Artificial Intelligence in China: ReFrame's Jerry An Published in Christianity Today
Thanks for this insightful reflection! AI is a huge topic right now, and I look forward to hearing more about what you've learned about how it is impacting the church.
Posted in: Bible Verses for Changing and Aging
Thanks for sharing this verse, Wout! It's another great reminder of God's love and guidance throughout all of our lives.