Virgil Goode -- No Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants

Virgil Goode charges Obama and Romney with wanting to maintain the status quo, which he says would encourage more illegal immigration. Mitt Romney, on his website, opposes amnesty but would attract more legal immigrants, saying that it would help create more jobs. Obama is pushing the DREAM Act, which would address the status of immigrant children brought here at a young age. Goode would oppose any amnesty, repeal the 16th Amendment and require proof of citizenship before enrolling in public schools.

Fact Check -- Gary Johnson on Obamacare

Gary Johnson's latest video attacking Obamacare is here:
Johnson claims that Obamacare will hire 16,000 IRS agents to enforce his bill, but not one doctor. But this repeats a claim on right-wing talk radio that is not true. *** The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the IRS would need $5 to $10 billion over ten years for administrative costs. This money is not for enforcement and hiring agents to break down peoples' doors like Johnson's ad implies, but for giving subsidies for qualifying small businesses and individuals money to buy health insurance. *** As this article by Ezra Klein notes, the 16,000 is just an extrapolation from the CBO figures. *** It is true that people who do not get health insurance starting in 2014 will be subject to a tax. But IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman testified before Congress under oath that the IRS will not be auditing individuals to make sure that they have gotten insurance. *** Also, on page 131, the Affordable Healthcare Act specifically prohibits the IRS from using liens and levies that they typically use to collect money owed by delinquent taxpayers. There will be no criminal prosecutions of persons who do not pay. *** As for proof, when you get or have health insurance, the entity providing the insurance will file a report with the IRS proving that you have health insurance under this act (Page 132). *** We have a copy of the Affordable Healthcare Act downloaded and the Sheridan Express will email copies of the bill free on request. Send requests to express@grm.net. It is 906 PDF pages long. *** If you have any questions about the act itself, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will try and get answers.

Mitt Romney -- Obama Failed to Meet Promises

Barack Obama -- Rural America will Lead Economic Recovery

New Beginnings at Sheridan UMC

Truly a great celebration at Ravenwood UMC Sunday, July 1st. Pastor Sue handed over a big set of key rings and a suitcase on wheels of paperwork to Pastor Janis Tobias. God used talents from the congregation for music and good food. Pastor Janis was inspiring as she began her ministry with the six churches joined together. Name tags were given to help her grasp each person on a personal level. She told a story from Bishop Schnase’s book about someone having big shoes to fill when they moved on. She even borrowed Pastor Sue’s to prove a good point. She will not be filling Pastor Sue’s shoes as Sue will still be wearing them, not her.
We do tend to expect the next pastor to perform duties in the same way, “business as usual” attitude. Each of us have God to guide us on His mission and each has different gifts to use to serve His purpose. May we look forward to growing spiritually with Pastor Janis and let her fill her own shoes to do what God sent her to do. We look forward to many more enlightening sermons to grow stronger in faith.
Our church will have a new leader of the Trio to help us celebrate 125 years of serving God and the community in the upcoming year. You could say our roots have been here for a while. Let your shoes be filled with God’s holy spirit and love; join us in worship.
–Submitted by Glenda Wyer

Area Livestock Calendar for July 4th, 2012

July 12th – Lamoni Livestock Auction
July 19th – Clarinda Livestock Auction, July 19th; 10:30 – weigh cows & bulls; 12 Noon – bred cows; 12:30 – feeder calves. For more information, contact Dan Wood, (712) 542-8863.
July 26th – Lamoni Livestock Auction
August 9th – Lamoni Livestock Auction
August 23rd – Lamoni Livestock Auction
September 6th – Lamoni Livestock Auction will be resuming their weekly sales September 6th. Special sales as advertised. For more information, call (641) 784-3323.

Doing God's Work for July 4th, 2012

How hot it is! It’s been so hot that I seen a squirrel picking up walnuts with pot holders on! Praying God will cool us down some so as not to burn the crops. Through it all, HE has it under control and I’m sure it will amaze us when harvest time rolls around. Some wheat fields have been harvested lately.
Church at the lake didn’t happen. Due to weather, it was changed to the Ravenwood United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Pastor Janis Tobias delivered her first sermon; considering the hot weather and short notice, worship had a good turnout. It was followed by a picnic and fellowship.
4th of July celebrations make me think what it really means beyond fireworks and picnics; freedom to worship God. I think we take it for granted sometimes. In other suppressed countries, one can’t risk being caught praying to our God. Thank our military for keeping us safe!
Wherever God may lead you this week, please take time to thank him. God bless you; see you in church Sunday!