Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
Can Fighting Poverty Make You Happy?
This was a question filmmaker Daniel Karslake asked after learning that a person dies every three seconds as a result of living in extreme poverty. The film he made as a result, Every Three Seconds, tells the story of five ordinary people who are making a real difference–and how everyone can do something. (Photo: Creativist Collective/Claire Evans, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
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 […]
Stewarding Relationship
Caring for one another is at once incredibly simple and achingly tiring, yet stewardship of our relationships is an integral component of any faith community. Sometimes, according to author Courtney E. Martin, we need more doing than thinking, more “bossiness” than niceties. Read her essay posted on the On Being with Krista Tippett website. (Photo: DFID, Creative Commons)
Cultivate Contentment
Without deliberately cultivating contentment, it’s tough to successfully steward and appreciate God’s abundance all around us. Check out this article from Relevant Magazine that offers five simple practices leading to greater contentment. (Photo: Rachel Sarai, Creative Commons)
Host a Cool Climate Potluck in your Congregation
Here’s a wonderful toolkit from Interfaith Power and Light designed to help you start or continue a conversation about healthy food choices, environmental stewardship, and climate. The kit provides all you need to host your own event. (Photo: gina pina, Creative Commons)
Here We Stand
Narrative Lectionary Reflection Year One, October 12, 2014
Joshua 24:1-15
This lesson is equally timely for Christians today facing what Phyllis Tickle terms “the great emergence” as the church once again stands at a pivot point in its lifespan. What will you community choose? (Photo: dun_deagh, Creative Commons)
Come to the Feast
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, October 12, 2014
God sets a forth a feast in three of today’s four readings, sending a message of abundance and provision. Yet how often do we seek to accept God’s blessings on our own terms and at our own convenience–often to the detriment of others? (Photo: zoe.wang, Creative Commons, Thanks!)
Commanded to be Stewards
Narrative Lectionary Year One Reflection for October 5, 2014
What fresh things can we say about the Ten Commandments? Since right relationship is at the core, how about a stewardship emphasis? It’s also close to the commemoration of St. Francis, so that also assists the stewardship theme. (Photo: Joel Kramer, Creative Commons)
Grapes of Wrath and Grace
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, October 5, 2014
The parable of the vineyard is tough sledding, but even this story has stewardship implications. Read on for sermon notes, worship ideas, and time with children and youth. (Photo: DeusXFlorida, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Fear of Drowning in the Seas of Change
Narrative Lectionary Year One Reflection for September 28, 2014
Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29
Fear of change affects our faith communities in much the same way it did God’s people leaving Egypt. Read on to see how this story can speak to today’s church and how stewardship is woven throughout. (Photo: CC-Archer, Creative Commons)
