Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Dear Lord,

Today, through your servant Barack Obama, millions of Americans will be lifted into the circle of affordable healthcare, allowing them to enjoy a quality of living heretofore reserved for the "haves." We thank you! And, we pray that you will protect our president and all those who took a stand for what is right. Today, oh Lord, our eyes have seen Thy glory.

In Jesus' name,

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Be Counted: 2010 Census

BE COUNTED: THE 2010 CENSUS

This issue of the Canaan Voice comes at a very important time in the life of our community and nation. This month, more than 103 million addresses across the United States will receive a 2010 Census form. The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every 10 years for the purpose of reapportioning the U.S. House of Representatives. Every person living in the United States must be counted. This includes all people of all races, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Additionally, census data directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.

By now or very soon, you will have received your 2010 Census form. It is very important that you complete and mail back your form. Also, you should encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. This is so important! The data collected is used to determine voting districts for all levels of city, state and nationally elected offices. Also, you will help guide funding decisions for our schools, hospitals and childcare centers. More importantly, you will strengthen our community’s voice in Congress. There are also other benefits for our community using this census data:

· Attraction of new businesses to our community
· Directing funds for service to the people in poverty
· Planning for congregations
· Developing adult education programs

These are just a few benefits of being counted.

For the past ten years, we have witnessed the erosion of so many initiatives, which have historically catapulted countless people who began their quest for self-reliance on the margins to the fulfillment of quality education, home ownership, full time employment and adequate health care. Unfortunately, too many people in our community have been left on the margins. There are so many ways the community of faith can bring a rising tide to boats stuck at the bottom. Among our resources is our own government whose commitment to serve is all-inclusive. For one hundred forty-five years, African Americans have worked to be included as full-fledged citizens of this great republic. Many sacrifices have been made which have enabled our race, family and community to enjoy the rights and privileges afforded to us by the U.S. Constitution. Today, we have yet another opportunity to help ourselves, our children, their children and future generations. Complete your census form and return it to the U.S. Census Bureau without delay. Stand up and be counted! You will not have this opportunity again until the year 2020. If you have questions, you can get answers by logging on to www.2010census.gov.

God bless each of you and God bless Canaan Baptist Church of Christ.