Browsing Articles
Can Fighting Poverty Make You Happy?
This was a question filmmaker Daniel Karslake asked after learning that a person dies every three seconds as a result of living in extreme poverty. The film he made as a result, Every Three Seconds, tells the story of five ordinary people who are making a real difference–and how everyone can do something. (Photo: Creativist Collective/Claire Evans, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Stewarding Relationship
Caring for one another is at once incredibly simple and achingly tiring, yet stewardship of our relationships is an integral component of any faith community. Sometimes, according to author Courtney E. Martin, we need more doing than thinking, more “bossiness” than niceties. Read her essay posted on the On Being with Krista Tippett website. (Photo: DFID, Creative Commons)
Here We Stand
Narrative Lectionary Reflection Year One, October 12, 2014
Joshua 24:1-15
This lesson is equally timely for Christians today facing what Phyllis Tickle terms “the great emergence” as the church once again stands at a pivot point in its lifespan. What will you community choose? (Photo: dun_deagh, Creative Commons)
Come to the Feast
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, October 12, 2014
God sets a forth a feast in three of today’s four readings, sending a message of abundance and provision. Yet how often do we seek to accept God’s blessings on our own terms and at our own convenience–often to the detriment of others? (Photo: zoe.wang, Creative Commons, Thanks!)
Clergy Health – Our Ministry Together
We need healthy pastors to have a healthy church, but statistics show that clergy need help in this area. Designed for use by pastors and lay leadership, this three-part series seeks to illustrate some of the unique issues clergy face in maintaining and improving their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual wellbeing. Through video and discussion guides, it encourages congregations and pastors to share a ministry of health that benefits everyone. (Photo by Dr. Abdulla Nasar, used by Creative Commons license)
Commanded to be Stewards
Narrative Lectionary Year One Reflection for October 5, 2014
What fresh things can we say about the Ten Commandments? Since right relationship is at the core, how about a stewardship emphasis? It’s also close to the commemoration of St. Francis, so that also assists the stewardship theme. (Photo: Joel Kramer, Creative Commons)
Grapes of Wrath and Grace
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, October 5, 2014
The parable of the vineyard is tough sledding, but even this story has stewardship implications. Read on for sermon notes, worship ideas, and time with children and youth. (Photo: DeusXFlorida, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Climate Change Curriculum for Churches
Climate change is a confusing topic, not to mention a terrifying one. It often feels more about problems than solutions, which makes it easy to push to the sidelines as “something scientists can deal with.†This free, six-lesson course prepared by the UU United Nations Office aims to give participants a solid understanding of the facts behind climate change, an appreciation of the earth, and tools to find solutions on a range of scales. (Photo by Takver, used by Creative Commons license)
Fear of Drowning in the Seas of Change
Narrative Lectionary Year One Reflection for September 28, 2014
Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29
Fear of change affects our faith communities in much the same way it did God’s people leaving Egypt. Read on to see how this story can speak to today’s church and how stewardship is woven throughout. (Photo: CC-Archer, Creative Commons)
Living in Abundance Lesson Series
The connection between stewardship and church mission and faith discipleship is pretty clear, but many of God’s people have simply never been taught. This three-lesson package, subtitled “Lessons in Generosity,” was prepared by faculty of Luther Seminary and will help adult learners understand key stewardship concepts. Includes PowerPoint presentations. (Photo by Monado, used by Creative Commons license)
