Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
Stewardship is a Self-Less Thing
16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Lectionary Reflection
Sept. 28, 2014
This week’s epistle lesson offers a wonderful opportunity to begin a conversation about stewardship without mentioning money, much less asking for any. What are you waiting for? Start the conversation! (Photo: Ricardo Camacho, Creative Commons)
Prosperity and Punishment
Narrative Lectionary for September 21, 2014, Genesis 39:1-23
Stewardship is not about prosperity as we define it today but is more about prospering in place—flourishing in good soil or amongst the cracks and pieces of broken pavement and shattered dreams. With God all things are possible. With God there is always abundance. Stewardship is how we live in and care for this abundance. (Photo: rennett stowe, Creative Commons)
The Problem with Generosity
Lectionary Reflection, 16th Sunday After Pentecost, Year A.
Is a gift really a gift if it comes with strings attached, such as restrictions on how it can be used? Unfortunately, that’s the way many churches receive contributions in our North American context. Where does this come from, and how can we confront it? (Photo by Stewardship–Transforming Generosity, used by Creative Commons license)
Forgiveness and Sending
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, September 14, 2014 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Forgiveness as a Mark of Christian Community Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘ Not seven times, […]
Harvest Liturgy
Harvest time is in full swing in the many parts of the northern hemisphere. If you’re planning a Harvest Sunday, here’s an almost complete liturgy from the “parishLife” blog of Simon Rundell, rector and author. Be sure to check out his other work whilst you’re there. (Photo: Herry Lawford, Creative Commons)
Model Church Financial Policy
Does your congregation have an updated financial policy? If not, here’s a good place to start. LifeWay and Keith Hamilton provide a downloadable 2-page model policy that you can use or build on. (Photo: Ken Teegardin, Creative Commons)
10 Things You Should Know About Online Giving
Wanting to get started with online giving in your congregation? Be sure to download and read this handy guide from serviceU. It offers 10 considerations plus five books all pastors should read. Click the title to be redirected to the free PDF. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Intro to Stewardship for Children
Here’s a complete introduction to stewardship for children with lesson, talent card, commitment form, activities, and suggestions for parents. The curriculum is a free downloadable PDF from the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A. (Photo: AngryJulieMonday, Creative Commons)
How About a “Mad-Libs” Pledge Card?
Here’s a great idea and conversation starter from our friends at ECF Vital Practices! Consider your own version of this Chicago parish’s Mad-Lib-style pledge card. (Photo: Jenna, Creative Commons)
A Conversation with Wendell Berry
Watch the 2013 Chubb Lecture at Yale University, A Conversation with Wendell Berry, posted on the website of the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale. While you’re there check out the many other resources available on this website. (Photo: Center for Interfaith Relations, Creative Commons)
