Fwd: Why we filed a lawsuit today

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From: Randall Wenger, Independence Law Center <info@indlawcenter.org>
Date: Thu, Jan 31, 2019 at 4:56 PM
Subject: Why we filed a lawsuit today
To: Phil Horning <philandkelly@gmail.com>

Independence Law Center Files Lawsuit Against Mechanicsburg Area School District on Behalf of Student Bible Club.  Here's Why. Dear Phil, Here at the Independence Law Center, we don't like to file lawsuits.  We much prefer to trying to work out issues with all sides — without going to court — all the while firmly standing on principle and the Constitution.   But today, we have filed a lawsuit against the Mechanicsburg Area School District on behalf of students in the Mechanicsburg High School's Bible club.    Here's Why: It began early in the school year when the Mechanicsburg High School principal rejected a poster promoting the Christians In Action Bible Club because the poster included a Bible verse (Mark 16:15). The students contacted our Independence Law Center, which got involved behind the scenes and eventually convinced the school administration, based on applicable law, to allow the poster with the Bible verse to be displayed. Apparently, the lesson went unlearned, because later in the school year, the principal again denied the Bible club students their legitimate rights.  This time, the students wanted to offer literature – New Testament Bibles – at a table during non-instructional time, specifically at lunch. Not only did the principal deny permission, writing in an email that these students are "not permitted to handout Bibles during the school day," but he went even further by declaring that they are not able to hand out Bibles outside of the school day unless they were granted permission first. Once again, these students contacted the Independence Law Center for help (which we offer free of charge thanks to those who partner with us financially). We again went back to the school, this time giving them a deadline to remedy their latest unconstitutional action against these students. Days passed; the administration did not respond to our request; instead issuing a statement to the press indicating they were maintaining their unconstitutional position and policies. At a subsequent meeting of the school board, several students from the club made their concerns known to the board, and attorneys with the Independence Law Center, Jeremy Samek and Curtis Schube, also addressed the board, pointing out the existing problems with their policy and asking the school board to remedy the illegal policies. Two days after this school board meeting, we followed-up with another letter, again asking whether the school would comply with the law and Constitution and allow the club to offer Bibles during non-instructional times at school.  The response was simply to avoid that question and simply state the students could apply to offer literature based on the school policies. Unfortunately, those school policies are unconstitutional. The problem is deeper. MASD's policies go far beyond simply denying students permission to share Bibles at lunch.  For example, the school also completely prohibits students from expressing views that "[s]eek to establish the supremacy of a particular religious denomination, sect or point of view." In other words, students' ability to make truth claims about their religion are prohibited and deemed "unprotected expression." Yes, the school unbelievably lumps any student expression that seeks to show their religious view is correct, together with other "unprotected speech", things like speech promoting violence or pornography. It is for all of these reasons, and still others — the constitutional violations, compounded by the lack of response by the school — that these student leaders of the Bible club and their families have filed this lawsuit. All students should be able to share their faith and to offer literature like the Bible during non-instructional times at school. Lastly, I wanted to share the last questions we received from reporters at our press conference today. One reporter confirmed with us that the students and their parents do not have to pay any legal fees because we represent them free of charge. Another reporter then asked, "Why is this something you are willing to step in and fight for even though you're not really being compensated monetarily?" My reply was simply that we take civil rights cases free of charge because we care about the issues and want to fix it for all students and their families at Mechanicsburg and beyond. We're only able to offer these students and their parents legal services free of charge thanks to people like you who partner with us. Today is a great example of why we so appreciate your support. Please contact me should you have any questions about this case. Please join us in praying for a positive outcome on behalf of the students of Mechanicsburg. And stay tuned for the latest developments. Sincerely, Randall Wenger Chief Counsel Independence Law Center P.S. We have several resources available to better inform you about this case, including a FAQ page with a timeline of events, our press release, and this video clip of my colleague Jeremy Samek (view on Facebook or Youtube). Also, here's a link to the filed complaint. Share This Email Contact Us Independence Law Center 23 N Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 717-657-4990 | info@indlawcenter.org independencelaw.org Manage Subscription

Fwd: EMM Announcement

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From: LMC <information@lmcchurches.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 4:15 PM
Subject: EMM Announcement
To: <info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org>

EMM Press Release   The Board of Directors of Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerald H. Keener as president of the organization. Gerry has been serving EMM as the executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2010. He will now serve as EMM's eighth president effectively immediately. This appointment will be for a two-year term, per Gerry's wishes. The Board is grateful for your partnership with EMM. We invite your prayers and support for Gerry, and EMM staff and workers serving around the world. We encourage you to continue engaging in mission with EMM as God calls you. To read the complete announcement, please click here.    Copyright © 2019 Lancaster Mennonite Conference, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a credentialed leader of LMC. Our mailing address is: Lancaster Mennonite Conference 2160 Lincoln Hwy E Suite 5 Lancaster, PA 17602 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Fwd: Register for LMC Spring Leadership Assembly and Celebration of Church Life 2019

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From: LMC <information@lmcchurches.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 9:29 AM
Subject: Register for LMC Spring Leadership Assembly and Celebration of Church Life 2019
To: <philandkelly@gmail.com>

LMC Spring Leadership Assembly and  Celebration of Church Life Friday-Saturday, March 15-16, 2019 Petra Church, 565 Airport Rd, New Holland, Pa. 17557 Theme:  Breaking New Ground Key Verse:  Isaiah 43:19 - See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This Spring Leadership Assembly will be linked together with Celebration of Church Life with the theme, Breaking New Ground. To attend, please register at the following link https://lmcla-2019.eventbrite.com. Cost for Leadership Assembly is $30 per person, payable at the door via check or cash. ________________________________________________________ Celebration of Church Life is for the whole family! Seminars will be offered on Saturday afternoon for children, age 5 through adult, with childcare provided for infants through age 4. You'll also hear updates on what is happening throughout the conference, participate in corporate worship and hear a timely challenge from plenary speaker, Marvin Lorenzana. CCL is free but an offering will be taken to help cover expenses.  For bulletin announcements to share with your congregation, click here. To view the brochure, click here. To view the video promo, click here.  To attend, please register at the following link https://ccl-2019.eventbrite.com. If you register to receive a FREE t-shirt, please print and bring your tickets along with you and present it to the attendant at the t-shirt table. You should receive a confirmation email with your tickets attached. If you do not receive one, please check your junk or spam box. Copyright © 2019 Lancaster Mennonite Conference, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a credentialed leader of LMC. Our mailing address is: Lancaster Mennonite Conference 2160 Lincoln Hwy E Suite 5 Lancaster, PA 17602 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Fwd: Good Samaritan Services Garden Luncheon tickets are available now!

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From: Good Samaritan Services <christine@goodsamservices.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 30, 2019 at 5:04 AM
Subject: Good Samaritan Services Garden Luncheon tickets are available now!
To: <info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org>

Buy tickets today for the 20th Annual Garden Luncheon!

20th Annual Garden Luncheon Tickets on Sale Now! The 20th Annual Garden Luncheon is right around the corner! This year our featured speaker is John Friel, Marketing Manager for Emerald Coast Growers. He will be talking about the ever- popular succulents and how we can use them in our gardens! Buy your tickets today by clicking below or by mailing your check to: Good Samaritan Services ATTN: Ashley Eager PO Box 756 Ephrata, PA 17522 Tickets are $70 each. For more information on this year's event, visiting our website. Buy Tickets Here! Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

Good Samaritan Services | 1516 Olive Street, Coatesville, PA 19320 Unsubscribe info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org About our service provider Sent by christine@goodsamservices.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Fwd: Fw: Your voice was heard!

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From: travis sauder <tcsauder@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 29, 2019 at 8:59 PM
Subject: Fw: Your voice was heard!
To:

Thanks to the many of you that came out last night! Dear concerned parent, You live in an amazing community. Parents and community members asked us what could be done to protect bodily privacy in your schools. We explained the law. We outlined the possibilities. But you came out in a way that I've rarely seen! 200 seats filled and scores more standing to support student privacy. There's no question that your voice was heard. For those of you who missed it, the Garden Spot High School administration is allowing a biological female to use the boys' locker room and restrooms – because she self-identifies as male. All children deserve respect, no matter how they identify. That's why we should help every student without turning our back on the students whose privacy has been abandoned. Residents spoke for two plus hours—those supporting what the administration is doing and those who want to restore privacy in school bathrooms and locker rooms.  But now what?  The school board has set up a committee to look into the situation and to consider a long-term policy. So continue to speak to your friends and spread the word. And continue to call and write your school board. The school's solicitor talked about the risks of a law suit if the school restores student privacy in the school's locker rooms and restrooms. Tell the school board you'll stand behind them if they put student privacy first—even if that risks a lawsuit. Some things are too important to abandon.  It's way too early to throw in the towel on privacy.  Sure the Obama administration told schools to open up facilities to the opposite sex. But that directive was rescinded. The federal government has since issued guidance telling schools that it is up to schools and their states. And in Pennsylvania, the school code requires separate facilities on the basis of sex. Federal education law explicitly tells schools they may have separate facilities on the basis of sex. We continue to stand with you, and will keep you informed as things unfold. Sincerely yours, Randall Wenger Chief Counsel Pennsylvania Family Council   Pennsylvania Family Council 23 N Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 Phone: 717-545-0600 | Fax: 717-545-8107 Web: pafamily.org Manage Subscription