Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act: The Heritage Foundation 2009 Labor Boot Camp

by James Sherk

What Does Unemployment Insurance Modernization Act (UIMA) Do?

* It extends the 0.2 percentage point FUTA payroll tax until 2012.
* It provides $7 billion in federal incentive payments over five years to states that make certain changes to their unemployment insurance (UI) systems.
* One-third of the incentive payments would go to states that modify the base period used to calculate eligibility for UI benefits to include the most recently finished calendar quarter.
* Two-thirds of the incentive payments would go to states that permitted at least two of the following three types of workers to collect UI benefits:

1. Part-time workers;
2. Workers who leave their jobs for compelling family reasons, defined as:

* Illness or disability of a family member;
* Moving to accompany a spouse who moved after a job change;
* Domestic violence.

3. Workers in a "declining" occupation who have exhausted their regular UI benefits but are in an approved job-training program for a "high-demand" occupation.

Policy Concerns

* Current law provides unemployment insurance to protect workers against the risk of unexpectedly losing their jobs and stabilizes their income for several months while they look for new work.
* Unemployment insurance is not an unemployment benefit paid for not working but insures workers against an unexpected event outside their control, much like home insurance protects against a fire.
* Workers who voluntarily leave their job do not qualify for unemployment insurance because the decision to leave employment was theirs. The government does not want to subsidize unemployment, just as an insurance company would not pay a claim for a home deliberately burned down.
* UIMA shifts UI toward a more general unemployment benefit. Workers have the choice of seeking part-time or full-time employment. Families decide together whether a spouse will move to take a new job. UIMA shifts the UI system from one that protects workers from the risk of unemployment toward one that pays workers who are unemployed.
* UIMA encourages states to generously expand their UI systems but provides funding for only a portion of the added costs. $7 billion over five years covers only a fraction of the added costs of the expanded UI benefits necessary to receive the incentive payments.
* Many state UI systems are underfunded as unemployment claims have risen during the downturn. The Department of Labor recommends that states maintain a balance of at least one year's worth of benefits in recessions. Nineteen states currently have reserves of less than one year. Indiana, Michigan, and South Carolina have already exhausted their trust funds and are borrowing from the federal government.
* States should not be encouraged to take actions that would further drain their UI trust funds when many of those funds are currently underfunded.
* The legislation provides incentive payments to states that provide UI benefits to workers who leave work to care for ill family members.
* Any illness, no matter how trivial, would qualify for UI payments under this legislation. A worker could get UI payments for leaving his job to care for a spouse who has the flu.
* Lax qualifying provisions would encourage abuse.

Economic Effects

* Additional UI benefits are frequently claimed to provide significant economic stimulus.
* The studies that come to this conclusion ignore the effect of UI benefits in raising unemployment and incorrectly assume that unemployed households spend every dollar of UI benefits they receive. Empirical studies contradict both of these assumptions.
* Heritage Foundation macroeconomic modeling accounting for both these factors show that for each dollar spent extending UI benefits to 46 weeks, GDP expands in the first year by just $0.17. Almost any other use of resources would provide a greater short term boost to the economy.[1]
* The consequences of extended unemployment benefits are some of the most conclusively established results in labor economic research. Extending either the amount or the duration of UI benefits increases the length of time that workers remain unemployed.[2]

James Sherk is Bradley Fellow in Labor Policy in the Center for Data Analysis at The Heritage Foundation.

[1]James Sherk and Karen Campbell, Ph.D., "Extended Unemployment Insurance--No Economic Stimulus," Heritage Foundation Center for Data Analysis Report No. 08-13, November 18, 2008, at http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/cda08-13.cfm.

[2]Ibid.; James Sherk and Patrick Tyrrell, "Unemployment Insurance Does Not Stimulate the Economy," Heritage Foundation WebMemo No. 1777, January 18, 2008, at http://www.heritage.org/Research/Economy/wm1777.cfm.

source: http://www.heritage.org/research/labor/wm2213.cfm

Undisguised death threats against the Mar Gabriel Monastery

Undisguised death threats against the Mar Gabriel Monastery

The harassment and intimidation against the Mar Gabriel Monastery continue and have taken a new impetus. Now the monastery staff is threatened openly in Turkey's largest newspaper: "If the problem is not resolved, blood will be shed here" writes the newspaper Hürriyet.

On Friday, February 20th, an interview was published in the paper version of Turkey's largest newspaper Hürriyet. The interview was done with Kuryakos Ergün, who is chairman of the Mar Gabriel Monastery Foundation and Suleyman Düz, who is the village chief in the village of Eglence.

- We have inherited the land from our ancestors, we will not give it to anyone, if the court does not resolve the issue, there will be killings, there will be great events taking place here, we have lived together here in a thousand years but now they are entrusting themselves with Europe, says Suleyman Düz, village chief in Eglence, referring to the few Assyrians who remain in the area.

The Foundation's chairman of Mar Gabriel Monastery, Kuryakos Ergün, says that the problem must be solved at the local level.

- We want to live like brothers with the Muslims here, the monastery has a long history which has been preserved for thousands of years, it's an unnecessary provocation, we want to solve the problem here in Midyat, in Ankara, not in Europe, says Kuraykos Ergun.

Before the eyes of the Turkish authorities and the police, now open threats have been made several times against the Mor Gabriel Monastery. So far, none of the threats has caused any legal implications.

Click the following link to read original article (Turkish)

http://www.turabdin.downthe.net/pdf/Hurriyet.pdf

Dikran Ego
Freelance Journalist
www.acsatv.com
  
   

Lenten Podcast Now Online

You can listen to the latest podcast from St. Mary’s online.  While we usually think of Lent as a time to give something up, it is also a time to take a journey - a journey home. And it is also a great time for those of us in recovery because we are joined in this journey by many of our brothers and sisters.

To listen online:

http://stmarytheprotectress.mypodcast.com/2009/02/Lents_a_great_time_for_us_in_recovery-186312.html

Should a Christian tithe ? Can You Help?

Glory to Jesus Christ!

We know this is going to be a Great Lent for all of you. You will fast and pray and be rewarded by Christ at His Glorious Resurrection.  But without your prayers and help, some served by St. Mary’s may not make it. Your prayers and donation will help keep the doors open, the heat on, and the lights burning.

For those of you who have visited St. Mary’s, you know that you never hear talk talk about tithing.  There is no collection plate past during the services, or after it.   It is not that we can not use you generous donations.  There are two or three small signs outside of the santuary which does say thank you.  Yes we can use your help.  Yes we need your donations.  But most important we need your prayers.

St. Mary’s has several programs which reach out to the entire Northern Indiana area.  There is our recovery program.  There is our employment program.  We work with many people who not just on limited incomes, they have no incomes.  We don’t give out money, but we do give out hope and prayer.  Donations we receive go only to meet our over head and for supplies.  There are no salaries paid to anyone at St. Mary’s.

We need your help.  The refrigerator does not work.  It has not worked for two or three months.  When there have been funds to get it fixed, they were used to pay the gas and electric bills.  It’s been cold this winter, and perhaps colder where you live.   In a few weeks there will be another gas and electric bill.  The telephone bill is due soon also.  There is a need for materials used in our recovery program and employment programs.   A twenty five dollar donation could let us help someone get their birth certificate and or ID so they can get a job.  Just last week someone’s donation made it possible for the gas and electric bill to be paid.  Without it, we would be without heat and electricity today.  We would be closed.  We will be closed next month without help.

Yes we are asking from financial donations which are tax deducible.  But we are also asking for recovery books and materials (new and used), Bibles, kids games and books for while their parents attend one of our programs.  We also need your time.  Volunteers are need every day.   Call the church and discover how you can make a difference.  The telephone number is 574-540-2048.

And yes we could use your presence at our services.  The Holy Qurbana is celebrated every Sunday starting at 10 am.  The daily prayer service for peace and healing is at 12 noon Monday through Friday.  Stop and join us in prayer and celebration.

What is the most important thing you can give us?  Prayer!  Pray and pray unceasingly.

Please keep us in your prayers,
Father Theodosius
Pastor


Should a Christian tithe ?

    Tithing was an obligatory legal discipline in the O. T. (Gen. 14: 20, Lev. 27: 31; No. 18: 24-28: Dt. 12: 6; Neh. 10: 37; Am. 4: 4; Mal. 3: 8-10; Lk. 18: 12). Those who were not tithing were robbing God (Mal. 3:8). That which was legalistic tithing in the O. T. is a part of Christian stewardship in the N. T.  According to the N. T. all are only gifts of God and so are accountable to God for all of one's possessions. A Christian who titles, but does not use one-tenth according to the will of God is not a true Christian. The trusteeship principle taught by Mahatma Gandhi is a Christian idea.

    Did Jesus want us to tithe ? He did not tell the Pharisees to stop tithing. What he told them is applicable to us Christians also: "Woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God; these you ought to have done, it without neglecting the others" (Lk. 11:42). The emphasis is on justice and the love of God. Christian tithing must be as part of these two Christian traits. As Christ says, 'these you ought to have done.' He is recommending tithing. Even if the verse is interpreted other way round, still He says that we should not neglect tithing. Love of God and justice to fellowmen must be our main concern. Again, when Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar the thing that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's " (Mt. 22:21), the Jews must have understood it as the need to give tithe, first-fruits etc. unto God. We know that everything we have is God's and we tithe as an expression of our gratitude for His multifarious gifts to us. The advantage of setting apart one-tenth for charity is that we will always have a fund to give to the needy without any heartache. Christian giving should not be out of compulsion, but out of the joy of giving. (Read II Cor. 8 & 9). The one verse that Jesus said that is not read in the gospels, but only in the Acts is, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The idea is that happiness is more in giving than in receiving. If tithing is a legalism in the O.T. it is a dynamic joy in the N. T.  If the Jew felt satisfied after having given the tithe, first-fruits etc., the Christian feels that he has not given as much as he should. The widow who offered all her living in the two mites that she offered in the treasury in the temple was praised by the Lord as she did not keep back anything for herself, but offered all what she had. Christ is not looking for the amount or quantity of giving, but the quality of giving. "God so loved the world that He gave......" We love our children and we give them as much as we can. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Lk. 12: 34). It also means where your heart is, there your treasure will also be. We will give to the poor and the needy with as much joy as we give to the children if our hearts are with the Lord and the poor.

    The answer then is that the least a Christian should do must be tithing. As John Wesly said, "work as hard as you can, earn as much as you can, use as little as you can, and give as much as you can."  This is what the parents do for the children and we must do the same for the Church, the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the jobless.

Finishing Strong - Video

So how are you going to finish this Lent?  Few people will ask this question at the start of Great Lent.  Perhaps we do not want to face the answer.   This video is worth watching.  What happen when we fall down?  We get back up and walk on.  But watch this video and see what this person does when he falls down.  He has no arms.  He has no legs. Listen to what he has to say to you and me. But....no watch the video and see for yourselves.

IF YOU NEED SOME INSPIRATION JUST WATCH THIS ONE.

Click here: Are You Going to Finish Strong? - Video <http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html>

Think of this video and go back to it as many times as you must this Great Lent.  You too will finish strong.  You will finish on the path home to God.

Need more inspiration?  Visit us this Sunday for the celebration of the Holy Qurbana.  It starts at 10 am.  You can also join us Monday through Friday at 12 noon for the prayer service for peace and healing.

 

Why don't we reach out to the inner city

There are a complex of reasons why non-inner city Christians do not reach out to the inner city. It does not boil down to just simple sin, although, to some extent, sin is involved.

Yes, of course, sin is involved in that any Christian should be willing to reach out to all around one. But, that is a simplistic analysis of the problem and is a truism. That is, it is a statement which is true regardless of the situation. And, given that there are non-Christians around us, and we do not get along with all non-Christians, it is always a charge that can be leveled. It makes the speaker sound spiritual while avoiding any productive discussion of the subject.

So, why do non-inner city Christians not do more productive inner city ministry?

One reason is that the mistake is made of treating the inner city as same culture with non-inner city culture. It is not. And, the methods that are used for same culture evangelism will not work in another culture. If non-inner city Christians are serious about reaching the inner city, they need to involve missiologists and get serious about planning inner-city outreach in the same way in which we plan foreign missions. They would also need to train those sent in the same way in which we train those going into cross-cultural ministry.

A second reason is actually two reasons working together to impede inner-city work. We expect a mature congregation to exhibit the traits of being self-sufficient, self-replicating, and self-governing. But, in inner-city work, self-sufficient is a very difficult proposition. Normally a congregation that averages 50 people a Sunday can support a full-time pastor. But, when I worked inner city, I did a calculation that showed that I would need to average around 250 attenders a Sunday in order to both take care of a building and to provide me a typical pastor’s salary. It was a good thing that I was a supported missionary! Few non-inner city Christian congregations or denominations would be willing to give long-term support to inner-city congregations.

Moreover, most Christian groups expect that their pastors will go to seminary. But, to find a possible inner-city ministerial candidate, then send him to seminary, then bring him back, and expect him to live in the inner-city without paying him a typical pastor’s stipend is an almost impossible situation. Mind you, this is one of the reasons why, in Orthodox and Catholic circles, the monastics are often used for inner-city work. These are people who are both called by God to a difficult situation and have taken vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience. The movie “Sister Act,” in the midst of its humor, shows what can happen when such a dedicated group of people does move into the inner city. Precisely because Protestants have so vigorously rejected monasticism and voluntary celibacy, that pathway is not open to them. Nevertheless, to rely on people taking vows of poverty in order for the Church to be able to be in the inner-city is wrong. That means inner-city work needs to have an adequate outside support base without the need to be constantly begging for the money.

A third reason is that to be involved in inner-city work is to also be involved in social work. There is no way to achieve solutions to the problems that plague the inner city without dealing with the problems that are likely to plague the likely members of your new congregation. I had to bury several youth between 15 and 25 during my few years in the inner-city. I worked with issues such as Neighborhood Watch, neighborhood trash cleanup, drug dealers and their houses, etc. I had to get to know the local police as well as the local important people.

And, here comes a problem for many non-inner city Christians. It is a political and philosophical problem. The whole discussion between the Right and the Left in this country has rather poisoned the well of social work so that even well meaning non-inner city Christians are often confused about how to handle the issue of providing a helping social hand. Should the government be involved? Are we encouraging dependency if we provide aid? Should we provide other than emergency aid? Unfortunately, in the midst of their confusion they are frozen into inaction and/or competing arguments and are incapable of finding the consensus necessary for the local congregation or the denomination to commit itself to either short-term or long-term programs. And, if we are serious about reaching the inner city, we need to be able to initiate and support both short-term and long-term social programs. But, we are locked up in arguments and are doing little. That is sin.

There are a plethora of other reasons, but the three listed above are what I consider to be among the main ones. The other ones are contributory. In fact, the whole subject of inner-city work is a complex of issues that need to be discussed and dealt with. Unfortunately, by and large, non-inner city Christians are neither seriously discussing the complex of issues nor are they getting involved with the inner-city. And that is truly sinful.

source: http://www.orthocuban.com/2009/02/why-dont-we-reach-out-to-the-inner-city/

Iragi Muslims convert to Christianity

A campaign of violence against Christians has seen thousands flee the country since 2003. Many of those who remain have complained of intimidation and persecution. But in some parts of Iraq, muslims are now choosing to become christians. In this video Al Jazeera's Omar Al Saleh reports from Irbil in Northern Iraq.

Conflict at monastery

Long-buried tensions between an ancient Assyrian Christian monastery and its neighbouring Muslim villagers are coming to a head in South Eastern Turkey.

The dispute is about land around the monastery. But the ongoing legal battle has resurrected past sectarian tensions.

Anita McNaught reports from Midyat in south east Turkey.

The Holy Qurbana

The word “Qurbana” has different meanings like offering, gift, oblation, sacrifice, presents etc. The word took its origin from the syriac word ‘Kurbono’. As there is no apt word to translate into different languages with the full connotation, the same word is accepted in different languages with a slight change. In the Old Testament wherever the word ‘sacrifice’ or ‘offering’ is intended the word ‘Kurbono’ is used in the Syriac Bible.
Holy Qurbana is worship and sacrament

The Holy Qurbana is a systematic form of public worship, most beautiful and exhilarating. It is also an important sacrament. Above all it is the perfector of sacraments. It was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ himself. He specially entrusted his disciples. It is food and salvation for our souls. We are connected to him by his body and blood of Messiah through this sacrament. Therefore it is magnificent and it excels everything and is truly attractive. Melchizedek, the chief priest of God (who lived at the time of Abraham) made offering in bread and wine as foreshadowing this sacrament. Gen:14:18 “Then Melchizedek King of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High”. During the Old Testament days it is celebrated as sacrifice of innocent lambs as a wondrous example. At the fullness of time it was fulfilled in the Holy body of the lamb of God, Jesus Christ. It is being commemorated by the Church through this sacrament till the end of the world. This sacred sacrament is full of several great deep mysteries.
Visible and invisible acts

Our Lord once for all died on the cross for us. It will not be repeated. The Holy Qurbana, the remembrance of which kindles our faith, lead us to new spiritual experience. In this past time, present time and the future time are all combined. Eventhough our Lord is invisible now he is sitting on the right hand of the Father in heaven and offers the living sacrifice to God, the creator of all on behalf of us all in calm and peace. We are made part and parcel of this sacrifice. The Lord himself as the chief celebrant is celebrating this sacred act which is mercy, peace, sacrifice and thanks giving. In the Holy Qurbana the celebrant is the priest but he really represent the Lord. Now we can understand that the Holy Qurbana is the union of the visible and the invisible, wonderfully and excellently made united.
It is Holy Sacrifice itself

The Holy Qurbana is the remembrance of the Holy Sacrifice done on Calvery once for all. Rom:12:1 “Living Sacrifices: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship”. The Holy Qurbana is actually a spiritual sacrifice. Like Abraham who prepared to offer his son Issac as sacrifice we also should offer ourselves as sacrifice for the remission of our sins. The only thing is that in the Holy Qurbana we ourselves are the animals of sacrifice.
It is service of thanks giving

The Holy Qurbana is a sacrament through which we express our gratitude and thanks to God who protect us in wondrous ways. When we pray like the priest “ Oh God make us worthy to offer you this service of Thanks giving as sweet fragrance of incense” then we understand the remarkable magnitude of this service.
It is a performance full of meaning

There is great meaning in all things done in Holy Qurbana. It enables to touch the heart of man. The heard melodies in Holy Qurbana are sweet and make us happy. The thoughtful prayers reveal the eternal truths. Every act done has deep meaning. There is intention for all the colours seen, there is aim for every step made. There is significance for every clothes worn. Every word uttered depicts mysterious action the heart and reminds us of the experiences of heaven. All the materials used in this, stands for one or other thing and makes us thoughtful , whereby five senses of man made in full action. Sight gives the eyes delight, songs give ears pleasantness. The incense of fragrance give the nose sweetness. The bread and wine give the tongue tasteness and the skin gives occasion to touch. Body, mind and heart are made in full action. In short, the Holy Qurbana is an act full of meaning. We are made to see the Holy Sacrifice of our Lord with body, mind and soul and as thanks giving enables us to submit ourselves as the Passover Lamb of the New Testament, by eating the manna of the New Testament, renew the covenant of the New Testament with the blood of him.

We invite you to join us at St. Mary's on Sunday starting at 10 am. There are also daily prayers services Monday through Friday at 12 noon.

Emmaus House

Dreams can become reality, especially when they are designed to share the love of Christ with others. Emmaus House/Harlem was founded upon just such a dream. The dream of one man, to create a community for the homeless men and women of New York City, by living Christian lives while serving and caring for others.

The Rev. David Kirk, a longtime presence in the anti-war and civil rights movements throughout the Southern United States, had realized that the city's dormitory style shelters and soup kitchens were not the solution to integrating the homeless back into society. Father David dreamed of alternatives that would not create increased dependency and long-term homelessness, but instead, help the homeless help themselves.

The Dream begins

In the late 1960s, Father David took over an abandoned four-story brownstone at 160 W 120th street in East Harlem. He soon learned of a mother and child who were thrown out of their home in the dead of winter, and Father David welcomed them into the brownstone. That same day, an elderly gentleman left his apartment building because there was no heat, and he too was welcomed into the newly formed community. Emmaus House was born.

The Dream takes shape

While Emmaus House was located in one of the poorest parts of Manhattan, the community was modeled on the Emmaus movement established in France to aid the poor after World War II. The idea was simple: create a community that could restore the belief of trusting in one another, help those in need, and serve as a "Parliament for the Poor," to speak on their behalf in order to better their lives.

The Emmaus Way of Life enables residents to rediscover their faith and hope through spirituality, while living a life that is scripture based: "feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, clothing the poor, and caring for the sick and imprisoned." In return for the love and support they received when welcomed into the community, residents were encouraged to share that same love and support with others in need.

The Dream requires hard work

The challenges of life can make it very difficult for individuals to make a fresh start, especially when homeless or struggling with addictions. To help the transition for new Emmaus House residents, each are welcomed into the community without any reservation or judgment. They usually arrive homeless and jobless, must commit to being drug and alcohol free, and be willing to build a new life that involves a concern for those still on the streets. In return, each resident is provided with a furnished room to share, three meals a day, and the support and encouragement of the Emmaus community to improve their lives. The year-long commitment creates opportunities to develop the skills and work habits required to succeed in society. Residents are provided with 35 hours of work a week, first within the community and later, outside employment opportunities. Eventually, residents "graduate" to independent living.

The Dream makes an impact

To find new values beyond the domination of drugs and quick money, Emmaus provides resources and referrals for counseling, therapy, and educational advancement. Spiritual guidance and support is offered by local Orthodox clergy who routinely visit Emmaus House. Each person works on a given plan based on their individual needs, from basic reading to college level courses, and drug counseling to job counseling.

Emmaus House has empowered countless people to change their lives. The impact of the Emmaus community is limitless because it bears witness to Christ's teaching to love one another. The homeless men and women of Emmaus House live and work together to help each other, while caring for those still caught in poverty and life on the streets. Self-respect is nurtured within the Emmaus family. With self-respect comes trust, and members of Emmaus House develop the skills to listen first without judging anyone, learning the importance of accepting people.

The Dream flourishes

When Emmaus residents break free from the cycles of poverty, they discover a new way of life. The community prays for a better life and struggles each day to live a Christian lifestyle. What was expressed in scripture becomes reality at Emmaus House. Residents care and support those in need through its outreach services: the food pantry, its clothing pantry, and the traveling kitchen. Their witness is an example for all of us, reminding us of how a community becomes family when they care and love for one another. Emmaus House residents learn to live simply so others may simply live.

The Dream lives on

While Father David Kirk fell asleep in the Lord from kidney failure in May 2007, his dream of a caring community for the homeless lives on today. Residents still live as a family, sharing common meals and work, showing the same love and mutual respect which Father David shared with them. Former residents maintain their promise and commitment to help those who still struggle with life on the street. Every day, more local clergy and faithful from the Metropolitan area learn of the Emmaus House mission and begin helping to provide encouragement, meals, education, and support to those in need. And as long as there are men, women, and children who are homeless and poor in New York City, the work of Emmaus House/Harlem will continue.

source: http://www.emmaushouse-harlem.org/about.html

Thich Nhat Hanh

For those who do not know who Thich Nhat Hanh is, thise video tells some of his story.

Retreat for the Isreali and Palenstiina people

Thich Nhat Hanh gives a dharma talk on a five-day meditation retreat at Plum Village meditation center in France. This retreat was for the Israeli and the Palestinian people. While this retreat was over a year ago, it still speaks to us today.

Navy OCS Hi Moms

If you want to see what Navy Officer Candidates go through to become Navy ensigns this proud father would like to share with you the Hi Moms video from the reception the night before the graduation. My daughter Alda graduated last week and was commssioned an ensign.

Vigil for those killed in Gaza

On the 40th day after the first child in Palestine was killed in Gaza during the most recent Israeli military offensive, this vigil remembers all the children who died in Gaza. Some members of the Jewish community also showed up and read a composite list of names of Israeli children who have been killed.

St. Mary's Starts Work and Employment Ministry

Church Starts FAITH WORK Ministry

Work is an expression of our dignity and our involvement in God’s creation.  In this time of economic crisis, as more and more people are losing their jobs, it is harder for individuals to express this dignity. It is increasingly hard for individuals to pay their bills, provide shelter for their families, and generally make ends meet.  The latest data released by the State of Indiana shows that unemployment in Marshall County is 12 percent and rising. To help families in the surrounding area, St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Community, 1000 South Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana, announces the formation of a new faith based ministry called FAITH WORK.  Because of the rapidly changing employment market and St. Mary’s desire to assist the entire community, the church is establishing Job Support groups at the church and will also have computers available to individuals to use to file unemployment claims and do job searches.   This is a positive process that deals with the universal problem of employment.

St. Mary’s is one of the Indiana faith-based community organizations which Workforce Development will supply computers and training to assist individuals file their unemployment claims and their weekly reports.  Indiana officials hope this new initiative will help reduce the long lines at unemployment offices across the state and cut down on the number of mistakes made by people applying online for benefits. Indiana residents will be able to uses the computers at the church and at other community organizations, and receive extra help in completing their claims.  The state’s stated goal is to give workers more convenient options.

St. Mary’s program is open to all area residents, both those of faith and those of no faith. There are no limitations on those participating in the program. Its mission is to work with all who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking career changes.  The support groups will provide practical job seeking skills, career information, technology, and support and mentoring to participants.  The program supports the pursuit of work and fair wages.

The program is also looking for volunteers within the community to work with participants, helping craft resumes, develop interviews skills, mentoring and providing spiritual support.  Computers will be used for job searches, filing weekly unemployment claims, creating and printing resumes, and developing new job skills.

For more information about the FAITH WORK ministry or to volunteer or donate to the program at St. Mary’s, please call Father Theodosius Walker at 574-540-2048, or 574-952-4671, or email the church at monastery@synesius.com.

The community is under an allegiance to the hierarchy of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church under His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas and the Catholicose of India, His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I. St. Mary the Protectress Orthodox Community is located at 1000 South Michigan Street, Plymouth, Indiana. The local church’s bishop is Mar Cassian Lewis of Columbus, Ohio. For more information, please contact the pastor Father Theodosius Walker at (574) 952-4671.