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Giving REALLY is Better than Receiving!
“Human generosity, far from being a thin veneer of cultural conditioning atop a Machiavellian core, may turn out to be a bedrock feature of human nature,†concluded UC-Santa Barbara psychologists in a recent study. Writing in Scientific American, author Maria Konnikova cites research supporting that it is more blessed to give than to receive. (Photo: Asenat29, Creative Commons)
Prepare for Those 65 and Older
The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to almost double from 40 million in 2010 to 74 million in 2030. Retirees facing an uncertain future on a fixed income may not be able to give as generously to the church year-by-year, but they will be putting their estate plans and wills in order. Here are some ways your congregation can get ready! (Photo: Garry Knight, Creative Commons)
Walk Wet and Share the Good News
Baptism of our Lord, Year A, January 8, 2017
This week’s gospel is a great springboard to remember and give thanks for your baptism, but don’t stop there! We have good news to share as we walk wet in this world. (Photo: Waiting for the Word, Creative Commons License)
Here Comes Christmas!
Christmas Eve/Day, Year A
Yes, Christmas comes—ready or not. For an hour or two we share God’s inbreaking into our human condition, hopefully in ways that can be heard but also seen, felt, tasted, and born afresh in each beating heart. Blessings on your preaching and teaching! (Photo: Waiting for the Word)
TED Radio: Giving it Away
You can give away almost anything — your time, money, food, ideas. In this hour, stories from TED speakers who are “giving it away” in new and surprising ways, and the things that happen in return. Their insights into a new world of giving offer important lessons for church leaders. Check out especially Dan Pallotta’s segment. (Photo: Stephen Dann, Creative Commons)
Fulfilled and Fulfilling
Narrative Lectionary Reflection, Third Sunday of Advent, Year 3
This is really good news! God was up to something with the restoration of the people from captivity, God was up to something through the incarnation of Jesus to set all humankind free, and God is still up to something by anointing us to continue to proclaim this good news today.
Why are Christians so Miserable at Charity?
When it comes to giving to the poor, why are Christians so miserable at it? The short answer is human nature, but the long answer has to do with one’s experiences with money. Generally , the more money people have, the less generous they are. Those who have experienced poverty are more likely to help. Here is an exploration, as well as some tips for developing your own generosity. (Photo: Steven Depolo, Creative Commons)
Cultivate Gratitude in the Church
Scientists and church folk alike know that living a life of gratitude reaps benefits spiritually, mentally and physically. “Thankfulness releases us from anger and from materialism,” says Doris Whitaker, University of Mississippi Medical Center chaplain. “It helps us acknowledge that there’s something greater than us.†Here, with links to lots of other resources, are some ways to cultivate generosity.
The Work of the Week
There’s a distinction between what pastors do on Sundays and what we do between Sundays. What we do on Sundays has not really changed through the centuries: proclaiming the gospel, teaching Scripture, celebrating the sacraments, offering prayers. But the work between Sundays has changed radically, and it has not been a development but a defection. (Photo by Grublee, via Bigstockphoto.com)
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)
