“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature....

If the next centennial does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”

James A. Garfield, July 4, 1876

Congressman, 1863 – 1880

President 1881 (assassinated)

Houston Pastors:

 All elections are won by those who show up – the 2011 Houston city election will be no different.  I cannot possibly emphasize strongly enough that your leadership is IRREPLACEABLE in using every step available in the following plan to LEAVE NO VOTE BEHIND in your church!

 I have had reports from some politically active Christians who said their pastors said nothing last Sunday – I’m sure they didn’t attend any of our churches…!

 Friday is the last day of Early Voting and this Sunday, November 6 is the final worship service opportunity we will have to make this election front and center in the priority of our congregants.

 Please note that because of the Texas Constitutional Amendments on the ballot, ALL voters should participate not just those in the city of Houston!

Preach, email, use PowerPoints, send a broadcast text, post on your website, record an automated call to your church list, distribute our non-partisan voter information guides…

 …all of the above! 

“Every Christian Votes” Plan -

Key Action Steps

 Note:  All activities are non-partisan, non-issues specific and fully compliant with all IRS guidelines for churches with 501 (c)(3) non-profit status*.  For any questions regarding those guidelines you can go to www.uspastorcouncil.org or call 832-688-9166.

1. Sunday, November 6 - include announcements from the pulpit, on projection screens, in church bulletins and using posters to begin awareness of upcoming election. 
2. Sunday, November 6 - set up a voter awareness table to be staffed by the Community Impact Ministry team to provide voting information, voting locations and voter guides. (Information is available through the HAPC office)
3. Sunday, November 6 - Preach an “Election Sermon” as done by preceding generations of pastors, giving Scriptural and Historical basis for choosing godly leaders.  
4. Monday, November 7 and Tuesday, November 8 - Send a broadcast e-mail and/or text broadcast to church list with a special Get-Out-The-Vote message by the Senior Pastor and links to non-partisan voter education information. (Sample Text-based and HTML format messages available)
5. Monday, November 7 and Tuesday, November 8 - Initiate automated phone calls with a Get-Out-The-Vote script recorded by the Senior Pastor, calling through the entire church list prior to Election Day.  (Sample script and automated calling support available)

• Non-partisan voter guides (English and Spanish) for Houston Election
• Non-partisan Texas Consitutional Amendment voter guide
• FaithVotes PowerPoint, bulletin inserts
  
• Steps to maximizing your church vote
• Video on Annise Parker's "My Gay Houston"
  
• Other resources to help pastors lead our congregations to faithful citizenship
  Sample Sermon outline - "Choosing Godly Leaders"
   
  EARLY VOTING ENDS TODAY!
  
   
  Remember - FINAL Sunday before Nov. 8 election!
  
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