Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard

Stewards of the Message and the Margins

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C
December 20, 2015
Luke Skywalker graces the silver screen again, but it is Luke’s gospel that brings us a real blockbuster and a countercultural hero in an unlikely Prince of Peace. So sing with Mary and rejoice with Elizabeth because God is once again up to something new. (Photo: JD Hancock, Creative Commons)

Stewards of Joy

Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, December 13, 2015
This third Sunday of Advent brings us to the turning point, reminding us to remember from whence our help comes, to turn from that which separates us from God, and feast on a heaping helping of hope and joy. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)

A Matter of Distribution

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year C, December 6, 2015
As stewards of God’s abundance we can choose to do a “new” thing, or at least a different thing during the season of Advent. What if we looked at the road ahead, the days that stand between us and Christmas, as a time to let go of something, to share something, to live more simply, to choose to do less and live more? (Photo: BrunoBrunan, Creative Commons)

Stewardship in Advent Series: Give Thanks

First Sunday of Advent, Year C, November 29, 2015
This year enter Advent with prayer and thanksgiving. Focus on building relationships rather than credit card debt. Do random acts of kindness and generosity rather than stressing over the perfect Christmas. You’ll be glad you did! (Photo: Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ, Creative Commons)

Not From Around These Parts

Lectionary Reflection for Christ the King Sunday, Year B
November 22, 2015
We Christians should be perceived as odd folk. Our Lord surely stood out as different. And we know the truth he proclaimed. Therefore, we should claim our identity as odd folk from a different reality. After all, we’re not from around these parts. (Photo: Alias 0591, Creative Commons)

Hold Fast! Keep the Faith.

Lectionary Reflection for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, November 15, 2015
This week’s lessons encourage us to remember that our great stone edifices and proud prairie worship houses—all lovingly constructed to the glory of God and for the sake of community—will not stand forever. Yet, our Lord tell us to not be alarmed. We are to hold fast and keep the faith. (Photo: Guillermo Viciano, Creative Commons)

Just Imagine…

Yes! Angela Emerson help you imagine a culture of generosity that begins by leadership imagining together a congregational stewardship statement that can infuse every decision and activity of your parish’s life together.  (Photo: www.GlynLowe.com, Creative Commons)

The Abundant Life

Lectionary Reflection for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, November 8, 2015
This week’s readings bring us glimpses of two widows: two women on the margins who nonetheless manage to see abundance rather than scarcity. To first century audiences, their situations would have appeared hopeless and their choices absurd—give away all your money or share your last bit of food with a stranger. How will our congregants hear these stories today? (Photo: olearys, Creative Commons)

Stone Soup Stewardship

Here’s a wonderful reflection by Kimberlee Cloutier-Blazzard employing the familiar “stone soup” story as an entrance into discussion about stewardship, sharing, and community building. It’s a perfect option for your Thanksgiving service, for a children’s time, or for a discussion-starter with your youth or adult study group. (Photo: shawndwturner, Creative Commons)

Intro to Planned Giving Webinar

Wondering how to tackle even the basics of planned giving to ensure your congregation’s future ministry and mission? Check out this informative webinar from the Episcopal Church Foundation!