Get Tickets Now for our 2020 Virtual Event with Abby Johnson - September 17
Our annual in-person dinner is SOLD OUT! But you can still join us for an inspiring evening with ABBY JOHNSON by purchasing a $10 digital pass to watch the livestream event. The $10 pass is good for you, your family, or even a small "watch party" from the comfort of your home! The livestream event will start at 7:15 PM on September 17 - more information to come.
There are a limited amount of digital passes available - get yours today! You will get access to a livestream link for the September 17 event, as well as a recording after the event.
Introducing: Pulpits & Politics - a video series about Christian political engagement
One of the core ideas for us here at MFC is this: what if biblical citizenship (cf. Philippians 1:27) is the key to overcoming partisanship and the divisions among Christians when it comes to politics?
With this in mind, we brought pastors together earlier this year to speak with one of our elected officials (Rep. Jim Nash of Waconia) about what biblical citizenship looks like. The resulting conversations became a series of seven videos, which we're previewing for pastors one at a time for the next few weeks. Although this is separate from the work of the Church Ambassador Network, we hope it will be helpful for your ministry as you seek to guide your flock toward one of the most contentious elections in our memory.
The first video features Pastor Joost Nixon of Training Leaders International. The title is Why should Christians get involved in the political process? That's a question many people are asking right now - maybe you, maybe someone in your family or in your congregation. Click here to watch the video. If the video is helpful to you, FORWARD it to a friend or family member! Over the next six weeks, we'll be sharing the rest of the videos.
Just as a preview, here are the questions we'll be exploring over the coming weeks:
- Are we too far gone? Is there hope in the political sphere?
- What should Christians do besides just voting?
- Should Christians seek to serve in elected office?
- What are common misconceptions about politics and politicians?
- How is politics a calling for Christians?
- What is the cost of being a Christian politician?
Netflix's Cuties is a Symptom of a Deeper Problem
Like so many events this spring, my little sisters’ dance recital was canceled, causing much disappointment after months of hard work. My youngest sister has found solace in leaping and twirling around the house in her recital costume, with the undeterred enthusiasm of a four-year-old who fully intends to be a princess-ballerina when she grows up. From my own days as a dancer and from my younger sisters’ current experience, I know the potential of dance to be a source of enjoyment that also builds confidence, coordination, and discipline.
Because of my interest in dance, Netflix’s recently released trailer and promotional image for a film called Cuties was both shocking and disappointing. The film artwork featured 11-year-old girls in revealing costumes and provocative poses accompanying the film description, “Amy, 11, becomes fascinated with a twerking dance crew. Hoping to join them, she starts to explore her femininity, defying her family’s traditions.” This sparked an outcry on social media, causing Netflix to issue an apology and replace the image (without changing the content of the film itself).
This is not the first time that Netflix has featured a film that portrays children in a sexualized manner. As World magazine pointed out, “It might be easier to give Netflix the benefit of the doubt on its artistic intent, though, if the company didn’t have such a poor track record featuring hypersexual material involving young characters.” Cuties is a symptom of a much deeper problem. It is a symptom of culture that does not understand human value and dignity, and that views the human body as a commodity. This same mindset fuels the widespread use and acceptance of pornography and the hypersexualized images that are so often on display in the entertainment industry and on social media.
[Read the whole piece by Patience Griswold at The Family Beacon]
This Election is an Opportunity to Protect Kids from "Gender Reassignment"
See this report from The Daily Signal for information on the battle to ban gender reassignment surgery for minors. The takeaway? We're potentially only one election victory away from being able to ban this practice. There are already strong advocates for protecting children in the US House, but they need a majority and strong encouragement from those of us who think protecting children should be high on Congress's agenda.
Day of Prayer and Repentance - September 26 - St. Paul
Our nation is in need of repentance, and thankfully we have a God who loves to hear us and forgive sins. Rep. Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg) and Rep. Julie Sandstede (D-Hibbing) are organizing the upcoming National Day of Repentance (September 26) for just this reason.
Did you catch that? A Democrat and a Republican are coming together during election season to pray with us for God's mercy over sin, including the sin of abortion. That's a big deal. We hope that this event can transcend mere political affiliation and bring people of all stripes together for prayer and supplication to God.
Why a Day of Repentance? Two simple reasons: our sin, and God's promises. During this time of testing in our nation, we need to approach the throne of grace. And when we approach God in repentance, He hears and forgives. We take our inspiration from 2 Chronicles 7:14: "For if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Click here to learn more about the September 26 event in St. Paul
Educating and Equipping Parents on the Transgender Trend
Get Your Copy of the Minnesota Parent Resource Guide! The Parent Resource Guide sheds light on the consequences transgender ideas have on kids' lives, while equipping parents to play a positive role in creating a truly welcoming school community.
Responding to the transgender trend with truth and compassion starts with the Parent Resource Guide. Get your copy HERE today and invite a friend to do the same! Click to order your copy today:
Support MFC When You Shop Online - now on mobile!
Did you know that when you shop with Amazon Smile, Amazon makes a donation to Minnesota Family Institute at no cost to you? This is one of the easiest ways to support our mission of advancing life, family, and religious freedom in Minnesota! Now available in Amazon's mobile app!
Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council’s vision for strong families and communities through Christ. As we approach a momentous election, we need your support now more than ever. Click here to give now. We are grateful for your partnership with us through prayer and financial support.
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