From the “Transparency Website” we see listed 288 billion under “Tax Relief” has an * that says:

“Tax Relief – includes $15 B for Infrastructure and Science, $61 B for Protecting the Vulnerable, $25 B for Education and Training and $22 B for Energy, so total funds are $126 B for Infrastructure and Science, $142 B for Protecting the Vulnerable, $78 B for Education and Training, and $65 B for Energy.”

BTW the repetition is in the actual footnote on the website???

Why is this “tax relief?“
Protecting the Vulnerable doesn’t appear in the bill at all. In fact “vulnerable” appears nine (9) times of which four (4) deal with television converter boxes or access to broadband; and another three (3) are aimed at HIT “Promotion of Health Information Technology” section of the bill. Two of them do seem to deal with emergency monies for those on TANF “State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs” but that isn’t tax relief.

Infrastructure is used 88 times and only one place does it occur near the word tax. It’s on page 239 and deals with “Infrastructure Financing Tools”

Searching Education and tax I found one (1) clearly linked connection. A direct link between education and tax relief comes in an expansion of the HOPE credit from two to four years on page 199. Page 202 talks also allows a person to deduct the cost of computer and/or software if purchased for a student [see below for text *]

I’ll let you all digest this then I’ll take at the rest of the statements in the next week or so.

Peace,
Alan

* ‘‘(i) AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT.—In the case of any taxable year beginning in 2009 or 2010—
‘‘(1) INCREASE IN CREDIT.—The Hope Scholarship Credit shall be an amount equal to the sum of—
‘‘(A) 100 percent of so much of the qualified tuition and related expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year (for education furnished to the eligible student
during any academic period beginning in such taxable year)
as does not exceed $2,000, plus
‘‘(B) 25 percent of such expenses so paid as exceeds $2,000 but does not exceed $4,000.
‘‘(2) CREDIT ALLOWED FOR FIRST 4 YEARS OF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.—Subparagraphs (A) and (C) of subsection (b)(2) shall be applied by substituting ‘4’ for ‘2’.
‘‘(3) QUALIFIED TUITION AND RELATED EXPENSES TO INCLUDE REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS.—Subsection (f)(1)(A) shall be applied by substituting ‘tuition, fees, and course materials’ for ‘tuition and fees’.

and

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 529(e)(3)(A) is amended by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end of clause (i), by striking the period at the end of clause (ii), and by adding at the end the following:
‘‘(iii) expenses paid or incurred in 2009 or 2010 for the purchase of any computer technology or equipment(as defined in section 170(e)(6)(F)(i)) or Internet access and related services, if such technology, equipment,or services are to be used by the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s family during any of the years the beneficiary is enrolled at an eligible educational institution.

Christ has Risen
Christ has Risen Indeed

Christ has Risen
Christ has Risen Indeed

With movement happening in Peace River and Cascades Presbytery I thought it might be a good time to go through what we’re hearing from Louisville. This is the first in a series of responses to the recently released video.

With more than a few congregations looking at withdrawing and headed another direction I found it sort of interesting that this apologetic started around the question of, “What is a denomination anyway?”

The reason for this starting place is to place what follows within the context of history and to show the rich, varied and unified past that we share as Presbyterians. Joe Small, Director Theology, Worship and Education, talk of the denomination as “give us by our mothers and fathers” and of being “bequeathed to us.” He speaks of faith worship and mission as “shared” but not “identical” then explains sharing actually means “broadly shared convictions”. He totally ignored the fact that our current denomination was formed in 1983 and that even then there was an escape clause for those from the Southern branch to leave the “family”.

Here’s my question, just when do “broadly shared convictions” become too thin to be convictions at all? When do convictions merely become ideas, thoughts, theories and nice stories?

• Is visiting with a terrorist government or calling our troops in Iraq war criminals part of this richness of our shared convictions or an insult to those serving in our military and believe Israel has a right to exist? [This from one who is NOT in the Israel is always right camp].
  
• Is ignoring or downplaying our constitutional ban on same-sex weddings part of these “broadly shared convictions” or a denial of ordination vows?
  
• Is word play, Ms. Morrison told a San Francisco Examiner reporter, “It says ‘chastity,’ not ‘celibacy’” central to our “broadly held convictions” or simply a step away from orthodox practice?

Charles Wiley, Coordinator Office of Theology and Worship, couches his answer in terms of Baptism and the Apostles Creed. Whereas Small’s answers promotes the “common-ground” theme or “sound-bite theology” Wiley’s wants to root to the wonderful past seen in our creedal standards.

One complaint since PUP is that we no longer are a confessional church since the declaration of a Session or Presbytery and set aside those items which are essential.

Give him his do, Wiley rightly says, “The Apostle’s Creed expresses the church’s faith throughout the centuries and is there for a guide to the church’s common faith.” Unfortunately he seems to think every pastor and member who reads, recites or responds with the Apostle’s Creed actually believe it and have a uniform understanding of what it means. Think about how the LDS church and Christians use the same language and mean totally different things.

Joe Small says the confessions are, “Not a doctrinal rulebook”. They are a “conversation that’s carried on between us and those who lived and died the faith before us”. Immediately following this he says, “So that, in the BOC [Book of Confessions] we give full expression to what we confess in the Apostles Creed, the communion of saints.”

Now does his statement mean the Apostles Creed in preeminent in our Book of Confessions or that only in the area of the communion of saints it’s preeminent? The last conversation in this part of the video has Wiley back pedaling from the “theological work” done by groups under the supervision of GA and Presbyteries and the “theological policy of the church“. He says, “The church has only one theological policy and that is the BOC [Book of Confessions]. A book that is subordinate to the Scriptures yet is the constitutional embodiment of our theological standards.”

I wish that were the case but it’s not. Whether Small or Wiley want to admit it or not the PUP report, a theology that promotes and encourages beliefs and actions in violation of our confessions is a much stronger witness to the real “theological policy” of the PCUSA than any spin the powers-that-be can put on it.

With movement happening in Peace River and Cascades Presbytery I thought it might be a good time to go through what we’re hearing from Louisville. This is the first in a series of responses to the recently released video.

With more than a few congregations looking at withdrawing and headed another direction I found it sort of interesting that this apologetic started around the question of, “What is a denomination anyway?”

The reason for this starting place is to place what follows within the context of history and to show the rich, varied and unified past that we share as Presbyterians. Joe Small, Director Theology, Worship and Education, talk of the denomination as “give us by our mothers and fathers” and of being “bequeathed to us.” He speaks of faith worship and mission as “shared” but not “identical” then explains sharing actually means “broadly shared convictions”. He totally ignored the fact that our current denomination was formed in 1983 and that even then there was an escape clause for those from the Southern branch to leave the “family”.

Here’s my question, just when do “broadly shared convictions” become too thin to be convictions at all? When do convictions merely become ideas, thoughts, theories and nice stories?

• Is visiting with a terrorist government or calling our troops in Iraq war criminals part of this richness of our shared convictions or an insult to those serving in our military and believe Israel has a right to exist? [This from one who is NOT in the Israel is always right camp].
  
• Is ignoring or downplaying our constitutional ban on same-sex weddings part of these “broadly shared convictions” or a denial of ordination vows?
  
• Is word play, Ms. Morrison told a San Francisco Examiner reporter, “It says ‘chastity,’ not ‘celibacy’” central to our “broadly held convictions” or simply a step away from orthodox practice?

Charles Wiley, Coordinator Office of Theology and Worship, couches his answer in terms of Baptism and the Apostles Creed. Whereas Small’s answers promotes the “common-ground” theme or “sound-bite theology” Wiley’s wants to root to the wonderful past seen in our creedal standards.

One complaint since PUP is that we no longer are a confessional church since the declaration of a Session or Presbytery and set aside those items which are essential.

Give him his do, Wiley rightly says, “The Apostle’s Creed expresses the church’s faith throughout the centuries and is there for a guide to the church’s common faith.” Unfortunately he seems to think every pastor and member who reads, recites or responds with the Apostle’s Creed actually believe it and have a uniform understanding of what it means. Think about how the LDS church and Christians use the same language and mean totally different things.

Joe Small says the confessions are, “Not a doctrinal rulebook”. They are a “conversation that’s carried on between us and those who lived and died the faith before us”. Immediately following this he says, “So that, in the BOC [Book of Confessions] we give full expression to what we confess in the Apostles Creed, the communion of saints.”

Now does his statement mean the Apostles Creed in preeminent in our Book of Confessions or that only in the area of the communion of saints it’s preeminent? The last conversation in this part of the video has Wiley back pedaling from the “theological work” done by groups under the supervision of GA and Presbyteries and the “theological policy of the church“. He says, “The church has only one theological policy and that is the BOC [Book of Confessions]. A book that is subordinate to the Scriptures yet is the constitutional embodiment of our theological standards.”

I wish that were the case but it’s not. Whether Small or Wiley want to admit it or not the PUP report, a theology that promotes and encourages beliefs and actions in violation of our confessions is a much stronger witness to the real “theological policy” of the PCUSA than any spin the powers-that-be can put on it.

Eight months after the “PUP” report was approved the General Presbyter of Northern New England Presbytery, Rev. Richard Wyatt, attempted to convince those who sought to leave to stay in the PC(USA). His Presbyterian Outlook article in February assured us, “The 1978/1979 AIs [authoritative interpretations] and G-6.0106b are in full force.”

He echoed the party line spoken right after its approval in 2006,

We have the same standards,” Kirkpatrick continued, “and now a process that encourages a more pastoral approach to ordination and encourages our governing bodies to do thorough work in examining people for office.”

Gray underscored Kirkpatrick’s comments, “Our standards have not changed. The Book of Order has not changed.

Oh the difference a few months make. It is amazing that such things could be said when at the very time it was happening we had a minister member of Redwoods Presbyter, Ms. Kathleen Morrison living in her committed relationship. It is even more amazing considering the once Rev. Scott Anderson, and perennial presence at General Assemblies, had once more tossed his hat into the ordination ring, seeking to become an inquirer.

This next week will even test our outgoing Stated Clerk’s statement more. A lesbian Presbyterian minister, serving in Redwoods Presbytery is going to participate in a “same-sex blessing ceremony“. Significant is that the ceremony is for her and her partner. I wonder what we do with Presbytery’s who do not take seriously enforcement of our ordination vows since in the same article in the LA Times it describes her relationship as being 10-years old.

Elsewhere, San Francisco Presbytery votes Tuesday on ordaining Lisa Larges who is in a covenantal relationship according to the Witherspoon website. Salt in the wound for this event is that it occurs in my home church where I was raised in the faith, and in which I took my trials of ordination.

Then to top it off we have a declaration of a scruple by former Rev. Dr. Paul Capetz . This special meeting of the Presbytery of Twin Cities will decide whether or not to reinstate Dr. Capetz to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. He says he doesn’t agree with G-6.0106b but that in every other way he meets the requirement of the same.

Nothing has changed, but we are ordaining practicing homosexual persons to the office of minister in spite of our Book of Order.
Nothing has changed, but we “bless” these same-sex relationships within the context of a worshiping community.
Nothing has changed, but we entertain scruples about whether or not portions of our Book of Order is indeed essential to accept and practice.

Here’s how it will pan out in the short term. The blessing of Ms. Bove will go ahead and be praised as a wonderful inclusive time of affirmation for her chosen life. Ms. Larges will most likely be accepted to move ahead to her “trials” by a narrow margin. It will depend on if the conservative congregations attend the meeting. An Dr. Capetz will be welcomed back into the ministry. I hope I’m wrong.

Peace,
Alan

Eight months after the “PUP” report was approved the General Presbyter of Northern New England Presbytery, Rev. Richard Wyatt, attempted to convince those who sought to leave to stay in the PC(USA). His Presbyterian Outlook article in February assured us, “The 1978/1979 AIs [authoritative interpretations] and G-6.0106b are in full force.”

He echoed the party line spoken right after its approval in 2006,

We have the same standards,” Kirkpatrick continued, “and now a process that encourages a more pastoral approach to ordination and encourages our governing bodies to do thorough work in examining people for office.”

Gray underscored Kirkpatrick’s comments, “Our standards have not changed. The Book of Order has not changed.

Oh the difference a few months make. It is amazing that such things could be said when at the very time it was happening we had a minister member of Redwoods Presbyter, Ms. Kathleen Morrison living in her committed relationship. It is even more amazing considering the once Rev. Scott Anderson, and perennial presence at General Assemblies, had once more tossed his hat into the ordination ring, seeking to become an inquirer.

This next week will even test our outgoing Stated Clerk’s statement more. A lesbian Presbyterian minister, serving in Redwoods Presbytery is going to participate in a “same-sex blessing ceremony“. Significant is that the ceremony is for her and her partner. I wonder what we do with Presbytery’s who do not take seriously enforcement of our ordination vows since in the same article in the LA Times it describes her relationship as being 10-years old.

Elsewhere, San Francisco Presbytery votes Tuesday on ordaining Lisa Larges who is in a covenantal relationship according to the Witherspoon website. Salt in the wound for this event is that it occurs in my home church where I was raised in the faith, and in which I took my trials of ordination.

Then to top it off we have a declaration of a scruple by former Rev. Dr. Paul Capetz . This special meeting of the Presbytery of Twin Cities will decide whether or not to reinstate Dr. Capetz to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. He says he doesn’t agree with G-6.0106b but that in every other way he meets the requirement of the same.

Nothing has changed, but we are ordaining practicing homosexual persons to the office of minister in spite of our Book of Order.
Nothing has changed, but we “bless” these same-sex relationships within the context of a worshiping community.
Nothing has changed, but we entertain scruples about whether or not portions of our Book of Order is indeed essential to accept and practice.

Here’s how it will pan out in the short term. The blessing of Ms. Bove will go ahead and be praised as a wonderful inclusive time of affirmation for her chosen life. Ms. Larges will most likely be accepted to move ahead to her “trials” by a narrow margin. It will depend on if the conservative congregations attend the meeting. An Dr. Capetz will be welcomed back into the ministry. I hope I’m wrong.

Peace,
Alan

If you haven’t seen this check it out. I love it. Wish I had used it today in worship, but it’s on my short list for next year to be sure. http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/114/thats-my-king/

Peace
Alan

If you haven’t seen this check it out. I love it. Wish I had used it today in worship, but it’s on my short list for next year to be sure. http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/114/thats-my-king/

Peace
Alan

If you haven’t seen this check it out. I love it. Wish I had used it today in worship, but it’s on my short list for next year to be sure. http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/114/thats-my-king/

Peace
Alan