February 6 Class ECHO and Austin

On February 6, Ed McHorse provided a presentation on the plans for ECHO to the CPC Social Issues class. The link to the presentation is attached It really speaks for itself as to the goals and opportunities for the organization. http://www.scribd.com/doc/49367250

We will keep this  link up for a while. Ed is starting to develop a speaker's bureau and updates should be available over time. One important program, other than getting involved directly is the upcoming 100K homes project. This program is in the planning stages for Austin. The web site http://100khomes.org/ describes the national overview. Look for more information as the program develops locally.

Sunday January 23 Austin Energy

Carlos Cordova of Austin Energy presented an overview of the assistance programs that Austin Energy provides under the Customer Assistance Program (CAP). They have a  brochure on this program describing qualifications and including an enrollment card.

A brochure is available in the Church Office. We also discussed the pending rate review. There is a citizen's advisory board which includes Beth Atherton of Caritas. Meetings will be ongoing for the next six months. We would like to have a class member monitor this process

January 9 and 16 Advocacy 101

Led by Rachel McClure and Rachel Farris, the class got a one two (both in leaders and duration)  on advocacy and how each of us can make a difference in debates that we are passionate about.

Key concepts include:

• Knowledge of the process, issues, and when and why to communicate with elected officials
• Being thoughtful (but persistent) in communicating; and
• Being willing to make your voice heard.

The more things change the more they stay the same

As you can see we have been lazy for a while. Great things were going on, we just did not post. So lets start with January of 2011 and see what has changed.

More on Mental Health Issues

On Sunday Feb 8 we will continue our fantastic discussion on Mental Health Issues. Led by our Pastor Intern, Sherry Higdon, we will move past some of the frightening statistics (2.4 Million Americans live with schizophrenia; Bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million American adults) and discuss Ministry and Mental Illness a Theological Perspective

Economics Makes Sense

Many thanks to Bill Avera, for speaking to the Social Issues Class Sunday Jan 25. Bill's perspectives on the economics of bailouts; value of education; and various options for making the economy improve were much appreciated.

A lasting comment to paraphrase (I hope this is at least close) came when he summarized his thesis adviser's perspective on the economy:

The potential upside for our economy is only limited by what we can think of in our minds. Unfortunately, the potential for how low our economy can go is also only limted by how bad we think it can get in our own minds.

Couple Bill's thoughts with Joseph's message about our perceptions of good things happening and we may have something good to think about.

The Numbers Are In

The Comptroller report is in. $9.1 Billion shortfall. Statesman Article link here http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/01/13/0113revenue.html

Interesting backdrop for the Legislative Session.