Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
Better Stewardship of Health Still Needed in U.S.
A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington found that Americans have made some progress in being better stewards of their health, but there is still much improvement needed. How can your faith community work for better health and stewardship of self? (Photo: Burger Austin, Creative […]
How about a Stewardship Pastor?
There are pastors for administration, family and youth ministry, visitation, and outreach. Maybe it’s time to add stewardship pastors to the mix. Check out this article by William Vanderbloeme. You’ll even find a link to a job description. (Photo: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Creative Commons)
A Case of ‘Teacher’s Tongue’
16th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year B, September 13, 2015
God has given us voices to be used in service of the good news of Jesus. One question this week’s lessons may invite is how are we using our “teacher’s tongue” to make a difference? A lot of words fill the air all around us, and not all of them are nice. Yes, a lot of responsibility comes with being given the “tongue of a teacher.†(Photo: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Creative Commons)
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.
A Time to Pray for Creation
The World Council of Churches and related ecumenical bodies have adopted a “Time for Creation†as an emphasis in the church year, from the beginning of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical year on 9/1 to the feast-day of Saint Francis observed by the Roman Catholic Church on 10/4.
Go in Peace—and then do something!
15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary Reflection
September 6, 2015
Luther may have called the book of James an “epistle of straw,” but this week’s lessons complement each other, compelling us to action after having been “opened” to the amazing grace of Jesus. (Photo: Daniel Holt, Creative Commons)
10 Ways to Cast a Generosity Vision in your Church
Dr. Chuck Lawless  believes people need “a vision…a challenge…a purpose” in order to give generously, and he offers 10 ideas to jump-start the process. Are you ready? (Photo: Kate Ter Haar, Creative Commons)
How Awe Makes Us Generous
The writers of the Psalter understood a thing or two about awe. Now here’s scientific research showing how experiencing awe links us to others and makes us more generous. (Photo: Herman Pinera, Creative Commons)
Let’s Hear it for Dirty Disciples!
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B Lectionary Reflection
August 30, 2015
Sometimes disciples have to get their hands dirty to do God’s work, and that may not always be the popular choice. Today’s lessons lift up the importance of seeing beyond a little surface dirt to the work of ministry and the love of neighbor. (Photo: St0rmz, Creative Commons)
Sharing Food and Stewardship
Check out Dr. Greg Carey’s reflection on feeding the hungry. There’s a strong stewardship component here–and feeding others is something we can do. How is your congregation working to eradicate hunger? (Photo: Rob Blezard)
