2005 Association of Christian Churches of South Dakota
President's Annual Report
Submitted by Gene E. Miller
October 25, 2005 

     With This report I conclude a five-year run.  Three as the Vice-President of the Association and two as the President.  I am eligible for another year but need to step aside as I have been elected to a position  within my denomination that will demand much more of my time and energy.  I do, however,  leave the Association's Presidency having thoroughly enjoyed my time in it.
     Our work continues ... we continue to sponsor or work with a variety of programs - the M-2 Program, the P-2 Program, the New Life Coalition, the Rural Initiative Center, Prison Congregations of America, and Children-At-Risk.  These are causes worthy of our time and effort.
     In 2005 we also wrapped up Hands Across South Dakota. This was an effort that provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to families and organizations across South Dakota effected by the recent droughts.  We have continued to speak for eliminating the State food tax and have drawn attention to our nation's federal budget, which seems to be placing an emphasis on war at the expense of those less fortunate.
     At our spring meeting, which we held in the form of a retreat led by Dr. Charles Kaufman, we determined that we would use time at our quarterly meetings to have forums/discussions on topics pertinent to our respective denominations.  This seems to be off to a good start.
     At our last meeting in June we were very proactive and got the State Department of Revenue to re-visit a posture concerning collecting business sales taxes from churches that, at least in our opinions, would have muddied the waters between Church and State.  That was a lively discussion that I will long remember.
     Perhaps the most important thing we do and have done now for over 30 years is use the Association to maintain ties between our respective religious bodies.  I hope that we never underestimate the importance of this simple task however nebulous it at times may seem.  It will always be important for us to gather together in the same room and dialogue in the Name of Christ.  Amen.