Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard
The Gratitude Attitude
Lectionary Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
September 16, 2012
This week’s psalm offers the perfect opportunity to talk about living with an attitude of gratitude–a necessary precursor to effective stewardship. (Photo by barbicane used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Bottom Line Ministries that Matter
From articulating a Christian call and moral obligation to stewardship of creation to practical ways to move toward congregational energy efficiency and cost-savings, this 36 page downloadable resource produced by the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program is good reading. Â (Photo by Horia Varlan used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Looking for New Stewardship Resources?
Check out the educational offerings from Everence, a ministy of the Mennonite Church USA. You’ll find free downloadable curricula for adults, church leaders, youth, and even a Spanish language resource. There’s also a list of recommended books, calculators, and personal finance information, too. (Photo by opensourceway used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
The One Hundred Percent
Lectionary Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 9, 2012 My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? James 2:1 Have you heard about the one percent or their financial opposites the ninety-nine percent? Chances are unless you’ve been living beneath a rock, […]
Living the Life not the Lie
Lectionary Reflection
In her wonderful book Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott reminds readers that “reality is unforgivably complex.†Her words ring true, especially this week when thinking about the lessons appointed for the upcoming Sunday. Do you ever long for your life to be simple, your decisions clear-cut, the issues of life laid out tidily in black and white? Yet life is messy. Life is not tidy and trouble-free.
Offensive? You Bet!
Lectionary Reflection for the Thirteeth Sunday after Pentecost August 26, 2012 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you?’ John 6:60-61 Do you find the teachings of Jesus […]
We are What We Eat
Lectionary Reflection for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 19, 2012
If it’s true that we are what we eat, we who claim to be Christ’s disciples better whet our appetites and feast on Jesus. Why? So that the divine presence and promise infuses our very pores like garlic, and so that we can share this everlasting meal with others.
Good for Body, Mind, & Soul
Most of us know that faith and participation in a worshiping community are good for the soul, but scientific evidence agrees that religion is good for the body and mind, too. Click here for a slide show of eight ways religion impacts your life. (Photo by special Joel used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Participatory Faith
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, August 12, 2012
What are you doing in your worshiping community to foster a participatory, joyous, and experiential faith? This week’s lessons offer some encouragement, ideas, and an opportunity to address the issue. (Photo by Charles Atkeison used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
A Week of Money Mindfulness
Here’s an intensive week-long challenge to help participants rethink how their relationship to money. Click here for “A Money Mindfulness Intensive” from Barrie Davenport of Live Bold & Bloom. (Photo by formatc1 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
