Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
Spiritual Vitality and Stewardship
Check out the September 2013 issue of the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices Vestry Papers “Wholehearted Stewardship.” Be sure to read Fr. Bill Nesbit’s article “Spiritual Vitality.”
True Wealth
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
September 29, 2013
There’s really no way to skirt the issue of wealth, poverty, and economic justice woven throughout this week’s lessons. Here are some thoughts and ideas to help you explore the issues faithfully in preaching, worship, teaching, and with children and youth. (Photo: Cea, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Fully Faithful
Lectionary Reflection for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
September 22, 2013
The parable of the dishonest manager provides a good context for discussing faith, commitment, and…money. How are you addressing the right and faithful use of resources within your community of faith? (Photo: Liz West, Creative Commons, Thanks!)
Precious in God’s Sight
17th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, September 8, 2013
Ever been lost or lost some one or something you loved? If so, then you can appreciate Jesus’ stories from this week’s gospel reading. How can we learn to value one another as much as Jesus values us? (Photo: Keoni Cabral, Creative Commons)
Really, Jesus?
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, September 8, 2013
Surely Jesus is kidding, right? What’s all this talk about hating family, carrying crosses, and giving up possessions? Discipleship can’t be that hard, can it? Maybe it’s time we stopped skirting the issue and started living with the questions. (Photo: Tsahi Levent-Levi, Creative Commons)
Three Simple Actions: Modeling Stewardship for ‘Tweens
Chris McKenna, Director of Middle School Ministry at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Caledonia, Michigan, shares three simple actions to help ‘tweens become better stewards of God’s gifts. (Photo: Jose Kevo, Creative Commons)
Pious Materialism: How Americans View Faith and Money
Robert Wuthnow, Andlinger Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion at Princeton University, wrote this article for The Christian Century a decade ago, but his observations and critique of the failure of American churches and synagogues to address issues of faith and money in a substantive and effective way […]
Invited and Inviting
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
September 1, 2013
Showing up, sitting down, and sharing our abundant blessings is the kind of banquet Jesus is talking about. Every place is a place of honor in God’s economy, and the “grace list” includes all of us. That’s good news indeed! (Photo: Elin B., Creative Commons)
Exercise Benefits the Brain, Too!
Want to be happier? Exercise. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete or spend hours in the gym. Twenty minutes is enough to trigger the responses in the brain that lead to a better outlook on life. Now that’s good stewardship! (Photo: Stefan Insam, Creative Commons)
What Better Day for Freedom?
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, August 25, 2013
The Sabbath is designed to free us–both for praise and worship and from the workaday world–and Jesus models sabbath-keeping in a way that we can learn from and apply to our 21st century contexts. Read on for ideas for worship, and time with youth and children. Blessings on your preparation. (Photo: Janis K, Creative Commons)
