INCORPORATION COMPLETED

The Teaching & Sharing Center is now a Michigan non-profit corporation. We are in the process of completing the paperwork seeking a 501(c)(3) IRS designation (which will make your contributions tax deductible). When the IRS issues its ruling, deductibility becomes retroactive to the date of incorporation which was January 1, 2005. 

Many basic decisions will need to be made in the next few months by this initial board. I anticipate a likely three tier relational possibility with the Center. The first will remain "the poet’s circle" which will not be considered membership. It will simply be the corporate mailing list, and a basic requirement for library privileges. As the historical connection, being listed in the poet’s circle will remain free, but will carry no official status within the corporation. The next will be the basic paid membership. Members elect the board of trustees and vote on other matters pertinent to the Center at an annual meeting. Members will receive the traditional 10% discount at the Trade Center. Ultimately, I suspect there will be a special designation for those doing more than the basic membership. It would likely carry with it some extra benefits, and could very well be a requirement for the Keyholder program. 

a touch of william

It is important to repeat that a touch of william is still an individual ministry of mine whose mission statement remains the same:

Get further in touch with their own spiritual reality.

This was sent to me with the title "No excuses!"

The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember . . .

NOAH was a drunk.
ABRAHAM was too old.
ISAAC was a daydreamer.
JACOB was a liar.
LEAH was ugly.
JOSEPH was abused.
MOSES had a stuttering problem.
GIDEON was afraid.
SAMSON had long hair, and was a womanizer!
RAHAB was a prostitute!
JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young.
DAVID had an affair and was a murderer.
ELIJAH was suicidal.
ISAIAH preached naked.
JONAH ran from God.
NAOMI was a widow.
JOB went bankrupt.
JOHN the Baptist ate bugs.
PETER denied Christ.

The Disciples fell asleep while praying.

MARTHA worried about everything.
MARY MAGDALENE was, well, you know . . .
The SAMARITAN WOMAN was divorced . . .
more than once!
ZACCHEUS was too small.
PAUL was too religious.
TIMOTHY had an ulcer . . .

- and -

LAZARUS WAS DEAD!

. . . no more excuses now.  God is waiting to use your full potential.

EMAIL ADVICE FROM MY FRIEND TOM

"Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being prepared for such a disaster can mean the difference between life and death. To minimize loss and damage in a quake, try not to own things." 

TH-TH-TH-THAT’S ALL FOLKS

A little of this, a little of that, plus a healthy dose of reality — while it’s not all the news that’s fit to print, I think it’s plenty for right now. I’m going to put this, my wsharing newsletter, and the T&SC brochure/application all into one mailing to consolidate the costs a little. 

As always -- God’s peace,