Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
Conserve Energy, Save Money with GreenFaith Webinars
Sign up now for a two-part webinar series that will teach you the 12 best energy conservation and efficiency steps for faith communities. On October 29 and November 5 from Noon – 1:00 p.m. ET, Learn how to cut 10% off energy bills without spending a dime. Can’t attend live? Register to receive links to watch later.
Hard Hearts, Little Children, and the Reign of God
Lectionary Reflection, 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, October 4, 2015
Do you have too much spiritual, emotional, and mental plaque clogging your arteries and hardening your heart? Jesus has a prescription to reverse the damage. Dig down deeply and find the child within that longs to be held in Jesus’ arms. Then you will experience the reign of God here and now. (Photo: hannes.a.schwetz, Creative Commons)
A “Path” to More Effective Giving
Although not a “churchy” article, Wharton Management Professor Adam Grant’s interview with Nicholas Kristof about a “path” to more effective giving is sure to spark some ideas about how to ignite congregants’ passion for ministry and mission opportunities. (Photo: opensource.com, Creative Commons)
4 Ways Christians Can Be Better with Their Money
It’s  not rocket science, but Derek Olsen’s thoughts on such topics as spending and debt bear frequent repeating. After all, there’s always room for improvement! (Photo: Steven DePolo, Creative Commons)
Will We Ever Have Enough?
What does it mean to have enough? Writer and retreat leader Erin S. Lane explores this question through scripture and observation of natural world and our human interactions. (Photo: Lisa L. Wiedmeier, Creative Commons)
Two Books on Altruism and Charitable Giving You Should Read
Stewardship is much more than annual drives and pledges. There’s a lot of science behind why people give, and all too often church folk are out of the loop. Check out these two books and consider how your faith community is doing when it comes to sharing story, mission, and opportunities for generosity. (Photo: Sabastien […]
Be Careful What You Ask For
Lectionary Reflection for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
September 27, 2015
Do you occasionally pine for “the good old daysâ€? Do you hear folks in the parish lament about the way things used to be? Moses heard the same thing. Thankfully, God is still up to new things in, with, through, and even in spite of us. What if we turned our “Oh, if only…” into “With God only”? (Photo: wsilver, Creative Commons)
Missing the Point
Lectionary Reflection for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B September 20, 2015 But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Mark 9:32 Have you ever labored long and hard to make an important point and then been completely misunderstood by your intended audience? If you have, you […]
A Trinitarian Approach to Finances
Tim Schuster writes about the financial trinity: A practical, emotional, and spiritual view of money in this article from Brightpeak Financial. Whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, single, partnered, or parenting, your approach to finances is a matter of stewardship. (Photo: Chris Potter, Creative Commons)
Why Don’t Churches Talk about Health?
If stewardship of our health is so important, why aren’t we talking about it in our congregations? Maybe it’s time to rethink this aspect of stewardship in faith formation, preaching, and even the beloved church potluck dinner. (Photo: bowler1996p, Creative Commons)
