Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard

Encountering Incarnation

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 23, 2012
In these dark days, we are invited to encounter the incarnation–not only in the birth of Jesus, but also in communion, in community, and in everyday experiences of the divine. (Photo by Violetta79. Thanks!)

Elemental Advent

Lectionary Reflection, 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C
December 16, 2012
Celebrate this Sunday with water, Word, Meal, fire, and Spirit wind, all infused with flavors of joy and hope. (Photo by Gunjan Karun. Thanks!)

New Clothes & Loose Tongues

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2012
What do new clothes and loose tongues have to do with this week’s readings? Read on to find out. You’ll find suggestions for each RCL reading along with ideas for worship and time with youth and children. Blessings on your preaching and teaching! (Photo by Rigor Mortesque. Thanks!)

Year-End Accounting Checklist for Churches

Here’s a year-end checklist for churches of common tax and administrative responsibilities that should be addressed as the year draws to a close. Pass the information along to finance committees and treasurers to make sure all loose ends are wrapped up. (Photo by 401kcalculator.org. Thanks!)

Wait Wait…Please tell me!

Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2012
Advent involves waiting, but do tell the story in a way that invites disciples to live into the countercultural and radical message of the good news. Here are some ideas to begin that conversation. (Image: © BildPix.de – Fotolia.com)

Teaching Children to Live Sustainably

Here’s a short, useful blog post from Sustainable Personal Finance that offers four tips for teaching children to live more sustainable lives. These four tips can be applied at home, in school, or through congregational and Christian Education activities. (Photo by icecairo. Thanks!)

Listen…Can You Hear Him?

Christ the King Sunday Lectionary Reflection, November 25, 2012
Sometimes it is difficult to hear Jesus amidst all the noise of daily living. Think about it. Maybe this Sunday is a good time to help folks prepare for Advent with some tools to hear Jesus above the din of consumer culture. (Photo © Warren Goldswain – Fotolia.com)

The Science Behind Giving

Yes, there really is something to encouraging prayer before committing one’s pledge or gift to ministry. Philanthropic Psychologist Jen Shang (Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University) offers some insight into the “how” and “why” of donor decisions to give in this New York Times interview. Click here to read more. (Photo by Lel4nd. Thanks!)

No Time for Fear (or Loathing)

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, November 18, 2012
In a climate of fear and loathing, how do this week’s lessons speak to us as Christians? What is our response as we walk in the light of God? (Photo © 2010 J. Ronald Lee. Thanks!)

Evaluating Financial Parenting Skills

Check out Trent Hamm’s thoughts on raising financially-fit children, along with a book recommendation to help with the process. Trent has many good financial posts on his website thesimpledollar.com. Click here! (Photo by Howard County Library System. Thanks!)