Browsing Culture
Study Finds Link Between Happiness and Church
A scientific study suggests that joining a religious group could do more for someone’s “sustained happiness†than other forms of social participation, such as volunteering, playing sports or taking a class. Good news, from the Washington Post. (Photo © Maksim Bukovski – Fotolia.com)
Parenting Money Autobiography
Because children learn from observing parents’ stewardship practices, the Faith & Money Network offers this “parents’ supplement” to their money autobiography. Consider using is during Lent. (Photo: foilman, Creative Commons)
Five Reasons Why I Give: Reflections from a Millennial
You’ve heard it over and over: It’s hard to get Millennials to church, and even harder to get them to contribute generously. Here’s testimony from a young man who finds it joyful and fulfilling to give generously. What can we learn from him? From Ecumenical Stewardship Center. (Photo © momius – Fotolia.com)
Church Financial Woes: A Crisis of Spirit
Financial problems plaguing many churches have spiritual roots, says noted sociology Robert Wuthnow. “The problem lies less in parishioners’ pocketbooks than in their hearts and less in churches’ budgets than in the clergy’s understanding of the needs and desires of church members’ lives.” From the UCC’s Massachusetts Conference. (Photo © cmlndm – Fotolia.com)
Sharing the Gift
Here’s an interview with the director of the documentary film GIFT, about the gift economy. On the rise in secular culture, the notion of “gift” has long been a principle of faith communities. How might we encourage and heighten awareness of how our congregations can participate in the gift culture? After all, we are all […]
Is Leisure Essential to Life and Spirit?
In this study of the necessity of leisure, cultural curator Maria Popova calls us all to rethink our ideas about work and play and rest. While the article does not address Sabbath, the connections are clear. Stewardship of our selves and our time are essential to a well-balanced life and vigorous spirituality. (Photo: Andres N […]
Cultivating a Mindset of Generosity
Is it possible to cultivate a mindset within our congregations and institutions that would reframe the stresses of the budgeting and fundraising season? Could a “sharing†mindset open up more creativity and decrease the feeling of fighting for scarce resources? The mindset I have in mind is “generosity,†writes David Odom, executive director, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School.
Faithful Budget, Faithful Stewardship
Your church budget is a moral document, reflecting the priorities of your faith community. Likewise, as Christians we are called to be good stewards of all resources, whether they be individual or communal. This paper was produced by the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice program (now Creation Justice Ministries) and examines two areas of our federal budget where Christians may wish to gain greater understanding in order to more effectively advocate for faithful use of these resources.
Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome? Yep, It’s a Thing
Thousands of young adults have dropped out of church because of what author Reba Reiley calls “Post-Traumatic Church Syndrome.” PTCS comes because Millennials experience the church as clashing with their worldview and values, she tells Religion News Service in an interview. (Photo by Ken Teegardin, used by Creative Commons license)
Vacation? Turn Off Tech. Turn On Life.
Did you check your work email while on vacation? Chances are you did. This article examines our addiction to technology and the need for a break. Read Lloyd Alter’s article and then consider how you might enjoy a digital Sabbath. (Photo: Mike Prosser, Creative Commons)
