Newsletters / ULC Newsletter - February, 2010

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence."

February 2010

The Monastery Newsletter Feb 2010

We’re constantly striving to provide you with blog articles on up-to-date news topics which are relevant to our ministers. Our recent entries cover a wide range of topics, from new wedding trends and marriage equality issues to practical information on how to perform your office as a legally ordained minister. These include a helpful guide to filing your taxes, an update on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and how it affects ministers and chaplains, and a closer look at the benefits of eco-friendly weddings. Wherever news stories relate to your concerns as a minister, we will be covering them, so visit our blog often for new and exciting discussions, and feel free to post your own thoughts.

New articles at The Monastery Blog

		"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and Religious Conscience The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff recently recommended the repeal of the United States military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The current policy forbids military chaplains from counseling fellow service members on their homosexuality. Share your thoughts if you or somebody you know has felt pressure as a U.S. military chaplain to keep silent. Do you support the repeal of the DADT? Vote Now!
		Eco-friendly Weddings What constitutes a truly modern wedding? With the growing awareness of environmental and social problem, an eco-friendly, or "green", wedding is the perfect opportunity to make this special event truly unique while showing a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Newlyweds John and Alyson Lindsley offer fun and creative ideas for making your wedding ceremony and reception both special and environmentally conscious.
		Psychoactive Drugs and Spiritual Freedom The government has long tried to curb psychoactive drug use among the citizenry, citing its health detriments. Some argue that everyday activities such as jogging and sunlight exposure can achieve spiritual balance and insight—but some drugs, such as DMT, are produced naturally in the brain anyway, and others, such as peyote, are used as supplemental sacraments in traditional religions. This article takes a closer look at how these controversial substances play a role in spiritual experience.
		Tax Time: the IRS Fourteen Points As tax time approaches, many of our ministers will have questions about how to file their income taxes. In order to help them out, we've reviewed the IRS Fourteen Points, a list of criteria that organizations should meet to qualify as a church. This is a helpful guide for those of you who are new to the ministry.

Featured at the ULC Bookstore

		2010 Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide This annual reference guide is an invaluable resource for those seeking a concise and easy-to-read guide for churches and non-profit organizations. Topics covered include how to obtain tax-exempt status, how to account for donations and other charitable gifts, tips on medical expense reimbursements, and overall financial accountability. Readers of this new edition will also find up-to-date information on tax laws for churches and NPOs.
		2010 Minister's Tax & Financial Guide This straightforward reference guide is ideal for the individual minister who wants to reduce his or her tax bill. Tips on maximizing business expense reimbursements, compensation planning, and retirement planning are all dealt with in the book. Inside the user will also find information on recent changes in the tax code as well as detailed description of the 1040 form. This book is also handy for treasurers and church administrators.
		Healing Herbs & Health Foods of the Zodiac This book is an excellent bargain for those who are interested in alternative healing methods. Master herbalist Jude C. Williams discusses the tenets of the zodiac and shows how astrological factors contribute to a fuller herbal healing methodology. The text offers practical advice on how to plant, grow, and care for over one hundred healing herbs using traditional astrological insight in order to benefit yourself and others.
		Complete Book of Wedding Vows (Revised Edition) This compilation from Diane Warner is a helpful guide for modern-day couples seeking fresh wedding vow ideas. Warner steers away from the staid and traditional, offering new twists and perspectives on the meaning of romantic commitment. Each chapter covers a particular life situation—throughout the book are vows designed for divorcees, individuals with children, and people from diverse religious backgrounds. Whether divorced or widowed, Christian or atheist, the reader will find creative suggestions relevant to his or her background.