For those of us who tend to be skeptical of institutions - especially church institutions - I think it's a good practice to acknowledge when they actually do serve the Kingdom of God and call people to radical discipleship. Below is a letter from the Mennonite Church USA calling congregations to re-think how they will use the upcoming tax rebates. Will we simply consume more luxury goods or will we put the money toward kingdom purposes? MCUSA isn't the first or the only voice to call for this type of action, but as far as I'm aware they are the only denomination officially encouraging its membership to take counter-cultural actions. Are there other denominations doing that as well?
Tax rebates offer witness opportunity
This spring, many Mennonite Church USA households will receive a tax rebate as part of the U.S. government’s economic stimulus package. The goal of the rebate is to encourage spending in an effort to boost the national economy.
Mennonite Church USA invites members to view this rebate as an opportunity to do kingdom work, rather than making consumer purchases. If we redirect all or part of our tax rebate to meet any of the needs listed below, we could demonstrate to the world an alternative vision of how to use unexpected financial resources.
The rebate is an opportunity to put our money to work for the kingdom, like the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus with her expensive perfume, rather than keeping it for herself or the young boy who put his lunch in Jesus’ hands and fed the five thousand.
Congregations may want to work together and pool their rebates. A congregation of 30 households could receive as much as $25,000.
Projects for redirection of tax rebates:
· Motorbikes for Mennonite pastors in Congo. There are as many Mennonites living in Congo as in the United States. Because of poor roads, transportation is often difficult. Their pastors have indicated that motorbikes are their greatest need. With $2,000 one pastor can receive a motorbike.
· Young people who attend a Mennonite college or university are more likely to stay in the church. Many congregations have student aid or scholarship funds that assist students attending a Mennonite college or university. The schools match some of these funds. $500 is the typical scholarship/aid per student. Check with your congregation for details.
· Instituto Bíbilico Anabautista (IBA) offers leadership courses for Spanish-speaking Mennonite leaders. $250 covers the cost of one course.
· Mennonite Voluntary Service is the longest running voluntary service program in the Mennonite church. MVS is a life-changing experience for many participants. A $200 gift helps keep this program active for participants of all ages.
· Anti-racism is one of the four denominational priorities for Mennonite Church USA. $300 helps provide resources, training and coaching as we work to become an antiracist church.
· Check with your congregation regarding urgent needs within the congregation or your local community.
All tax rebate gifts can be made and sent to Mennonite Church USA, P.O. Box 347, Newton, KS 67114, with the project clearly designated. Or you can give online with a debit/credit card at giving.MennoniteUSA.org. Gifts to your congregation or area conference should be sent directly to them.
