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The Most Ignored Commandment

Author Nancy Sleeth, who along with her husband founded the non-profit organization Blessed Earth, invites all of us to reconsider how we are (or are not) keeping Sabbath. For Sleeth’s family, keeping Sabbath has been a true blessing. (Photo: Pawel Pacholec, Creative Commons)

Signs of the Time

Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent, Year B
Time is in short supply in our age, yet the call to the spiritual disciplines of Lent asks us to reconsider time. The time is fulfilled, and we are living into that fulfillment. (Photo by opendemocracy used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!0

Cultivating Generosity in Children

It may seem like a “no-brainer,” but we all need to be reminded of the ways we can cultivate generous hearts in children today so that they will be good stewards as adults. Check out Ron Edmondson’s 10 suggestions in this churchleaders.com article. (Photo: © Vibe Images – Fotolia.com)

Dazed, Confused, Blinded, and Transfigured

Transfiguration of our Lord, Year B
Dazed, confused, and blinded, we are nonetheless being changed by the transfigured Christ. We, with our meager gifts and fragile faith, are stewards of this amazing good news even as we are being transformed and made new in Christ. (Photo: Edger Chambon 94, Creative Commons)

Don’t Be Afraid; Be Changed

Narrative Lectionary, Transfiguration of our Lord, February 15, 2015
From the moment God names, claims, signs, seals, and delivers us in baptism, we are being transfigured. We are becoming something more, the sum of the parts, the whole that God intends for us. Even though we may not recognize this transformation, it is taking place and God sees and knows and loves us. So do not fear. Get up! There’s work to be done. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)

Pledging: Model Intentional Giving

In interviews with congregations in a variety of settings, we discovered that the most effective stewardship formation occurs in the context of worship, in open and frank discussions about money, faith and giving, and in the ability to help people understand how their giving funds the various ministries of the church, including social outreach. Read our findings. (Photo © ashumskiy – Fotolia.com)

Jesus and the Stewardship of Self

Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One) for February 8, 2015
This week’s gospel lesson gives us stewardship models straight from our Lord. To serve others well and to appreciate and share God’s abundance, we must also take care of ourselves. This is, of course, easier said than done. (Photo: Jonathan Fox, Creative Commons)

Vocational Stewardship

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, February 8, 2015
How we approach our work, our sense of wholeness and balance, and our mission to love God and serve neighbor in all that we do is part of stewardship. It’s worth considering. It’s important to talk about. And it’s key to one’s discipleship journey and the life of faith. This week’s gospel provides one such opportunity to do so. (Photo: FaceMePLS, Creative Commons)

The Good Life: Psalm 111 and Stewardship

Lectionary Refleciton for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, February 1, 2015
In this week’s Psalm we are reminded that our worth, our purpose, and our reason for being are all found not in what we have or who we are but rather in whose we are. The good life begins in total commitment to God. It’s all about stewardship! (Photo: Axel Buhrmann, Creative Commons)

Stewarding the Call to Follow Jesus

Third Sunday after Epiphany Year B, January 25, 2015
Is responding to Jesus’ call to discipleship a stewardship issue? Absolutely! Read on to find out how. (Photo: Marina Elena, Creative Commons)