Each church in the united church, pays what is called and assessment to the next up body of the church, the presbytery.  The presbytery pays an assessment to the conference.  And the conference as well, often receives a grant from the national church which comes from the mission and service fund, which is collected - voluntarily - from the people who worship in the congregations.

Interesting article in the Globe. Apparently, in Germany, there is a tax levied that is used to support the churches. The article is specifically about the RCs, but apparently Protestants and Jews pay it, too. The focus of the article is that many Catholics are opting out of the tax and the country's bishops are playing hardball, threatening to withdraw church rites and other privileges from those Catholics. The reasons for the opt-outs are disenchantments we hear over here, too: disagreement with church positions and opposition to use of church resources to cover-up abuse scandals.

http://www.united-church.ca/communications/newsletters/connex

Connex is the Newsletter of the HR Unit and the Permanent Committee for Ministry and Employment Policies and Services of The United Church of Canada.

That is to say, if you work, or know someone who works for or with the United Church, take a look and see what 's happening or pass this link/information along.

Thanks!

http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2010/11/ontario-passes-bill-enhancing-tax-break-for-seniors.html

For what it's worth, the Ontario Government has just announced tax breaks for seniors to alleviate utility rate increases.

Any ministry personnel who own their own homes or rent should read this note in the latest InfoPac. It's an important change in CRA practice.

http://www.united-church.ca/communications/infopac/2009october

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