Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
Basic Guide to Congregational Endowments
Looking for a basic guide to begin planning an endowment fund for your congregation? Download this free 42-page PDF from Thrivent and the InFaith Community Foundation. It has plenty of good material to get you started. (Photo: Raul Hernandez Gonzalez, Creative Commons)
Got a Minute? Watch a Stewardship Tip
Here’s a wonderful buffet of brief video segments from the Center for Faith and Giving featuring pastors and stewardship experts discussing various stewardship topics. Watch these yourself, share them with your stewardship team, or use them as congregational giving moments. (Photo: Ed Brambley, Creative Commons)
You Have to Ask!
Brian Rose is convinced that we have to have the “money” talk in church. In this short article, Rose (lead navigator for Auxano) offers seven actions to get you started and keep you going. Let’s face it, if we don’t ask, the church won’t receive and our ministries will lack funding. (Photo: keoni kabral, Creative […]
Tips to be a Better Steward of Time
We’re working more hours than ever before, and clergy are certainly no exception. In this short article, Michael Hyatt, chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, offers seven tips that can save you about 10 hours a week. (Photo: Jayel Aheram, Creative Commons)
A Debt of Love and Loving Covenant
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, September 7, 2014
Whether you’re looking at love and reconciliation with the RCL lessons or God’s covenant with Noah and all creation, we have sermon starters, worship ideas, and suggestions for time with youth and children. Beginning this week, we’ll be looking at both the Revised Common and Narrative Lectionaries. (Photo: Marcelino Repayla Jr., Creative Commons)
Spin Doctors or Cross Bearers?
12th Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 31, 2014
We are called into a way of life that runs counter to everything the world tells us is worth having and doing and being. We are invited into community, splashed with water and word, filled with Spirit breath, and gifted to give and give and give some more. And that life is good–very, very good. (Photo by Leland Francisco, used by Creative Commons license)
How to Prevent an Identity Crisis
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year A, August 24, 2014
Want to know how to prevent an identity crisis? Take a cue from Peter in this week’s gospel lesson. This lesson applies to 21st century followers of Jesus, too! (Photo: David Goehring, Creative Commons)
Seminary Garden Feeds Body, Mind, & Spirit
Asbury Theological Seminary’s community garden is doing much more than feeding students. It’s become an important educational tool that includes a prayer garden, fire pit, preaching amphitheater, and nature path. (Photo: seminaryalliance.org)
An App to Share Leftovers?
Want to be an even better steward of those church potlucks and coffee hours where there’s way too much food? There’s an app for that. Now you can use your mobile device to help prevent waste and reduce hunger in your community. (Photo: Ginny, Creative Commons)
A Crumby Gospel
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 17, 2014
Chances are that this week folks in your faith community will be reeling and/or numb from world events. Add to that the usual list of prayer needs and human brokenness and pain. So hand out this crumby gospel, these crumbs of abundant love, grace, and salvation, and don’t be stingy.(Photo: Simon James, Creative Commons)
