The months of August and September have brought a steady march of destructive hurricanes.  Along the Gulf Coast and up the Eastern Seaboard, many people’s lives have been impacted.  Again, the faith Based Community has been “front and center” in meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  While it appears there is a present calm from natural storms, the tempests in people’s lives continue.  Thank you for all that you are doing to help people keep body and soul together.  Many of you have provided direct services to the people in your community affected by recent storms.  Others have sent volunteers and supplies to devastated areas. And there have been those who have opened their homes to the displaced.  Click HERE to find out how you can help those affected by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

As we approach the 2008 Presidential elections, many churches are encouraging their members to “get involved” in the process.  Indeed civic responsibility should be important to all people including people of faith. Examining the issues, identifying the positions of the candidates, voicing opinions and voting one’s conscience is what the process is all about.  Churches can encourage its members to do that.  However, there is a limit to what churches can do and maintain their tax exempt status.  In the recent election cycle there have been several situations where churches or church leaders have become involved in political activity that has led to calls for revocation of the churches’ tax exempt status. In the Legal Issues section you will find a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” for political activities for churches according to IRS guidelines. Click HERE for more.

The current financial crisis has created a large amount of stress and uncertainty for individuals and churches.  Many churches are wondering if now is the time to borrow money for building projects.  This month the financial section of Faith Links offers some suggestions for “borrowing in shaky financial times. Click HERE for more.

Don’t forget to check current funding opportunities. Click HERE for more.