Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard

When Powers Collide, Wait on the Lord

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2016
As a stewardship story, Daniel’s fierce allegiance to God is an exemplary reminder for modern day disciples and stewards of God’s abundance to keep focused on the one true source of power—God, the Creator of the Cosmos. (Photo: Daniel Imung, Creative Commons)

Be Still, Steward!

The Reign of Christ, Year C, November 20, 2016
It is an act of stewardship to stop our excessive “doing” and spend time “being” with God. It is not easy to slow down, and it is certainly countercultural in our over-scheduled, multi-tasking culture, but making dedicated time to focus on God is essential to our overall well-being. (Photo: Leland Francisco, Creative Commons

‘Edgy’ Stewardship for Troubling Times

Lectionary Reflection for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, November 11, 2016
In this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus instructs us to see our suffering and the changes that ravage our security and life as opportunities to witness and testify to the love and grace of our Lord. We are called to steward an “edgy” faith. (Photo: Georgie Pauwels, Creative Commons)

Instructions for Would-Be Saints

All Saints Sunday, Year C, November 6, 2016
This All Saints Sunday take this challenging lesson from Jesus with its absolutely daunting set of instructions, its beautiful blessings, and its condemning woes, and remind the faithful that they are indeed in the company of all the saints and are the stronger for it. (Photo: fady habib, Creative Commons)

Host a ‘Before the Flood’ Screening

Here’s your opportunity to host a screening of Before the Flood, Fisher Steven’s and Leonardo DiCaprio’s new documentary film about climate change, in your congregation–complete with screening rights, discussion guide, and DVD. (Photo: Interfaith Power & Light)

Freedom? What Freedom?

Reformation Sunday, Year C, October 30, 2016
Forget the vain promises of the world, the polarizing pander of candidates for public office, and the bootstraps mentality of contemporary culture. Real freedom is found only in deep relationship with God and with God’s people. (Photo: Osajus, Creative Commons)

Does Your Congregation Celebrate Generosity as a Way of Life?

Author Tim Shapiro suggests six measures for whether your congregation is celebrating and cultivating generosity as a way of life. How is your congregation stewarding the call to help people develop lives of deep faith and generosity? (Photo: taxcredits.net, Creative Commons)

Mercy!

Lectionary Reflection for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 23, 2016
Why be stingy with mercy toward others when God desires all to be held in the divine grip of grace? When we let go of the need to be right, to be an insider, and to be better than others, we find that life opens up–real life. (Photo: Jimmie, Creative Commons)

Grappling with the Divine

Lectionary Reflection for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 16, 2016
Like Jacob, are we willing to encounter God in our dark nights of the soul and hang on for dear life? Ultimately, are we able to submit to the blessing—named and claimed and never forsaken? (Photo: Michael Swan, Creative Commons)

The Gratitude Attitude

Lectionary Reflection for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 9, 2016
If living a grateful life leads to so many positive results, why isn’t everyone hopping on the gratitude train? The story from this week’s gospel lesson can shed some light on that and lead us to the wholeness Christ offers. (Photo: Julie Jordan Scott, Creative Commons)