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Pope Francis’ Environmental Call to Action
The earth cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. (Photo by Aleteia Image Department, used by Creative Commons license.)
Touching the Hem of the God’s Garment
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
June 28, 2015
The 1980s AT&T slogan “Reach out and touch someone” certainly applies to this week’s lessons. We reach out in faith–no matter how pitiful–and God reaches out to us in love and mercy. (Photo: Creative Commons)
In Case You Forgot…
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Year B, June 22, 2015
One might think we wouldn’t need reminders of just how amazing the Creator of the Cosmos really is, but then again we are human and prone to forget that we don’t really control much of anything at all. It’s not about us; it’s all about God and God’s desire to be in relationship with us. (Photo: Stenly Lam, Creative Commons)
Modern Ministry: Learning the Art of Strategic Neglect
Ministers today face so many pressures, The intensity of the job itself added to the high rates of unrealistic expectations from church memberships or even leadership can set up ministers to burn out quickly and, often, to live with a great burden of guilt, frustration, and disillusionment. “Strategic neglect” may be a way for ministers to cope by taking a new look at putting first things first by better managing their competing commitments and finding homeostasis in their spiritual, personal, and professional lives. (Photo by Leland Francisco, used by Creative Commons )
There’s No Place Like Home
Second Sunday after Pentecost Year B, June 7, 2015
How are you stewarding the gift of “home” that God has give you in Christ Jesus? This Sunday’s lessons give us an opportunity to consider this question and to count our blessings. (Photo: By Yours, Creative Commons)
Narrative Budgets: Everything You Need to Know!
A narrative budget is a remarkable communications tool to help your congregation understand the significance of their financial gifts, and the ways in which God is changing lives through the mission of your church. Here is a remarkable compilation of articles, examples, videos and webinars that can get your congregation started on a narrative budget. (Photo © Trotzolga – Fotolia.com)
How Can These Things NOT Be?
Holy Trinity Sunday, Year B, May 31, 2015
This is the Sunday where it’s tempting to rehash and explain away the truly inexplicable nature of God and the concept of the Trinity: God in three persons. God in three essences. God in three expressions. Good luck with that! Why not simply tell the story of God’s relational nature and abiding and life-giving love? (Photo: A Davey, Creative Commons )
The Depth and Breadth of Stewardship
The breadth and depth of stewardship theology leads us to appeal to one another to discover lives of meaning and purpose, stewardship lives. This happens as we engage in worship of God and as we honor God’s plan; as we gather to encourage and support one another in a living organism, the Body of Christ; as we make a difference in the world through service to people and care of creation; and as we teach behaviors that free us from bondage to money. [Check out this powerful 17-page essay from ELCA Stewardship Resources.] (Photo by the US Bureau of Land Management, used by Creative Commons license)
Come Holy Spirit! Really?
Lectionary Reflection for the Day of Pentecost, Year B, May 24, 2015
Are you really ready to day “Come, Holy Spirit” on this Day of Pentecost? Are you prepared for the power and promise inherent in this gift? In these unsettled times we do need the Advocate with us. Just be prepared for a wild, wonderful ride. (Photo: Waiting for the Word, Creative Commons)
Into the World
Lectionary Reflection for the Seventh Sunday of Easter May 17, 2015 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. John 17:18-19 When I was growing up, a lot of the Christians […]
