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Vocational Stewardship

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, February 8, 2015
How we approach our work, our sense of wholeness and balance, and our mission to love God and serve neighbor in all that we do is part of stewardship. It’s worth considering. It’s important to talk about. And it’s key to one’s discipleship journey and the life of faith. This week’s gospel provides one such opportunity to do so. (Photo: FaceMePLS, Creative Commons)

Live More with Less in 2015

An ever increasing number of people are choosing to live with fewer possessions and as a result are experiencing a better quality of life. Read about the new minimalists, gather some ideas, and use what fits your context to be a better steward of all of God’s creation in 2015. (Photo: storebukkebruse, Creative Commons)

Resolve to be Green in 2015

Creation care doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are five simple ways you can do a better job of caring for the earth. A little bit of effort goes a long way! (Photo Steve Snodgrass, Creative Commons)

When Creation Runs a Fever

Climate scientist and evangelical Christian Katherine Hayhoe discusses climate change, why our faith demands action, and the reasons why we must move beyond politics and ideological arguments in this recent interview with Ann Neumann in Guernica. (Photo: John LeGear, Creative Commons)

Streamline your Life with Good Stewardship Habits

Good stewardship habits are good for both your life and your wallet, according to Consumer Psychologist Kit Yarrow, who includes sharing, gratitude, and contentment among her twelve tips to streamline one’s life and budget. Dr. Yarrow’s suggestions are particularly timely for this season of Advent when we are bombarded with messages to overspend and overbuy. (Photo: Rubbermaid Products, Creative Commons)

A Short Film about Gratitude

Here’s a short, inspirational video, Gratitude, that features Brother David Steindl-Rast’s spoken words, Gary Malkin’s musical compositions and Louie Schwartzberg’s cinematography. This is a this a stunningly beautiful film, reminding us to grateful for the gift of life and all of God’s goodness. (Photo: epSos.de, Creative Commons)

Never Underestimate the Power of Giving

Here’s a story of how one singer-songwriter/actress found a way to make a difference, giving of herself to help others–and help others continue the chain of giving–all through discarded keys. (Photo: pitterpatterart, Creative Commons)

Stewards of Advent Time: Awake

First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 30, 2014
It’s Advent again. What’s a Christian to do? We wait, we hope, we sin, we mess up: wash, rinse, repeat. According to Jesus in Mark’s gospel this week, we must remain awake and be fully present and attentive every day. (Photo: Alan Turkus, Creative Commons)

“Discipleship Starter”

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 9, 2014 (Year One)
In this short passage from Micah, God gives us some simple ingredients for the life of discipleship. This faith “starter” takes on a life of its own, multiplying, growing, sweetening, and creatively expanding as we share, learn, and walk together. (Photo: Neil Conroy, Creative Commons)

New Report Explores Decline in Church Giving

“The State of Church Giving through 2012: What are Christian Seminaries and Intellectuals Thinking — or Are They?” issued by Empty Tomb, an Illinois-based nonprofit that tracks church giving, suggests a different kind of pastor is needed to address giving in an age of affluence. Despite increased stewardship education in seminaries, the situation is complex and requires […]