Is The Church Relevant? Hmm, Let's See!
Recently reported by the Daily Herald: DuPage job losses break 50-year trend.(Business)Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL); 11/17/2005; Kukec, Anna Marie
Among trends cited in the "The State of Working Illinois 2005" report are these:
- Racial disparities. Minority groups made up 27.9 percent of the workforce in 2004, almost double the 15.7 percent in 1980. However, African Americans and Hispanics still have higher unemployment rates than whites and Asians.
- Gender disparities. Women comprise less than a third of workers in well-paying industries, such as construction, manufacturing and transportation, but make up over three-quarter of the employees in lower paying fields such as education, health services, and leisure and hospitality.
- Poverty. In 2004, more than 12 percent of Illinoisans and nearly 20 percent of children under 18 years were below the poverty line. Nearly a quarter of Illinois workers earn a wage that puts them and their families below the poverty threshold, which is $19,311 for a family of four.
- Education gap. More than 70 percent of African Americans and 60 percent of Hispanics earn less than $50,000, compared to more than half of whites earning $75,000 or more. Low income and unemployment are more common among those with the least education. Hispanics are the least educated minority group, with 44 percent having less than a high school diploma.
- Unions. The average weekly earnings of union members in Illinois are nearly 20 percent higher than non-union workers. In 2005, unions comprised 17 percent of the Illinois labor force, a decline from 20.8 percent in 1990.
- Health insurance, pensions. Per capita health care costs have increased 107 percent since 1990, while about 60 percent of Illinois workers had health insurance coverage in 2004. Also, less than half of workers have access to an employer-provided pension plan.
(end of article)
Some are prone to wonder, is there a response from churches of DuPage County? Many ask, "WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? WHAT IS THE RESPONSE FROM THE CHURCH?" Well, let's see!
LOVE IN THE NAME OF CHRIST (LOVE CHRISTIAN CLEARINGHOUSE) provides an answer everyday to many in need. Our answer comes from compassionate volunteers networking together resources and services that share God's LOVE to people with needs.
Just this week several churches provided rent assistance to a single mother with three young children. Her efforts to maintain employment, keep her kids healthy and in school, manage home activities and keep gasoline in her car are overwhelming! LOVE came through with hope in the Name of Christ! The Church can provide a response!
Through the network of services, volunteers, and resources families that are in need can have their needs met through the responce of the body of Christ.
Can we do more? Hmm, let's see! Let me know what you can do and we will combine your gift of time, talent or resources with others. For more information on how to help: www.love-cc.org
posted by Rev. Rick Carder '87 / ' 03 @ 11:08 AM
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