Traci West takes a look at Luke's passage known as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), which is found at the beginning of the gospel after Mary, a single virgin, has agreed to give birth to Jesus.  She goes to visit her relative, Elizabeth, who has become pregnant in her advanced age.  After interpreting the story, Ms. West looks at the challenges they bring to today's contemporary society and how we treat the poor.

Public Policy and Christian Witness
by Elliot Wright

Barbara Keens is a student of federal and North Carolina laws and programs, which deal with poverty, welfare, job training, child care, transportation and adult education.  As a United Methodist laywoman, she feels it's her Christian responsibility to be concerned with policy that impacts women, children and families.  This article interprets the language of these policies, the changing responsibilities of church and government, and how to monitor this policy.

As the U.S. Congress debated welfare policy, the media focused on cutting funds to the poorest people in the nation.  But, maybe the spotlight should have been on the billions of government dollars that fund corporate interests:  oil companies, agribusiness, firms producing weapons.  This article looks at the question:  "Whose welfare is the government serving -- the people's or the corporations'?"

When Work Is Not Enough to End Poverty
by Yvette Moore

It takes more than a paycheck to get out of poverty.  Though welfare caseloads have dropped 31% nationally since 1996, research by non-profits and advocates for the poor show a different story.  "Many families who no longer receive public assistance continue to be mired in poverty and face even deeper hardships," says Ms. Moore, author of the article.

United Methodist Women can make a positive difference in the lives of poor children and families.  They can work to eliminate poverty by changing systems.  This article gives a step by step plan for finding out about the needs of poor children and families, what is available to them through the government, and how to advocate on their behalf.

Following the Money
by Carol Burnett

The 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act created Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).  This program offers direct cash assistance and support services to poor families.  Yet, many states have held on to the funds for future use or transfer the funds into other programs.  This article looks at acceptable use of these funds, how to follow the funds, and how to get into the debate.

Charitable Choice: When Government Funds Church Outreach
by Cathlin Baker

Charitable Choice -- the contracting out of government services to the religious community -- has caused quite a debate.   Though its been around since 1996, the Bush Administration has brought it to light again.  This article looks at Charitable Choice, who sets the agenda, and if the church is being silenced in the debate.

Philadelphia Church Navigates Waters of Government Funding
by Kelly C. Martini

When changes to the welfare system were proposed, many residents of North Philadelphia asked,  "How will we survive?"  A small neighborhood church of 60 members decided they must act.  This article is about one church who receives Charitable Choice funding, the successes they have created with the funds, and the challenges they've faced.

Cold War Still on for Detroit's Poor
by Yvette Moore

Three years ago Response reported on Detroit-area poor losing electric, gas and water services.  When welfare recipients left the welfare rolls, their cash public assistance for utilities ceased and they received bills that had accumulated while they were on welfare.  Not able to pay the bills, their utilities were shut down. 

National Mission Institutions

This series of articles looks at the work of several United Methodist Women-supported National Mission institutions as they advocate for the poor, help women leave welfare to find futures, enable women to take charge of their lives, and work on behalf of the poor.