Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard

What We can Learn from Refugees

Canon Trevor Stubbs, who teaches at a college in South Sudan, shares four things we can learn from refugees about stewardship and generosity. (Photo: European Commission, Creative Commons)

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 […]

Good Steward Worksheet

Here’s a helpful tool from the folks at blessedearth.org–a worksheet for daily, monthly, and yearly covenant activities for better stewardship. Permission is given to reprint for your use in the congregation. (Photo: IFPL, Creative Commons)

The Finest of Feasts

All Saints Sunday, Year B, November 1, 2015
Come to the feast, child of God. Feast on bread and wine. Feast on the knowledge that Jesus Christ has overcome death, has risen from the dead, and calls us all to resurrection both now and in eternity. (Photo: Randy OHC, Creative Commons)

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 […]

Oh, the Options!

22nd Sunday after Pentecost & Reformation Sunday, October 25, 2015
The Good News of Jesus Christ is timeless and unchanging, but it aims to be presented in fresh, new ways that speak to every age and context. We can take a cue from Martin Luther and the other 16th century reformers and make good use of the tools available to us, especially this Sunday when we have some very good choices for lessons and celebrations. (Photo: Daniel Oines, Creative Commons)

Last Place Winners

21st Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year B October 18, 2015 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 Service with a smile! All right, we sort of expect that, and it’s nice when it happens. Well, how about […]

Spread a Little Joy and Downsize

Lloyd Alter shares his story of downsizing during the renovation of a three-story house into two units. Instead of having a garage sale or selling on ebay, he and his wife gave their excess possessions to many different people. For the Alter family the experience was both liberating and joy-filled. (Photo: Stephan Dann, Creative Commons)

Who Can Be Saved?

Lectionary Reflection for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B October 11, 2015 And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God.” They were greatly astounded and said to one another, “Then who can be saved?” Mark 10:24-26 The […]

What Church Leaders Should Know About Finance

Money is tough to talk about, but when approached with humility and authenticity conversation can yield good results. In this podcast Pastor Chris Brown of (with Dave Ramsey’s organization) talks stewardship of rather than bondage to money. (Photo: Bill Hillegas, Commons)