Browsing Articles
Gratitude Can Help You Through Hard Times
When life is going well, gratitude allows us to celebrate and magnify the goodness. But what about when life goes badly? In the midst of the economic maelstrom that has gripped our country, can people — or even should they — feel grateful? Not only will a grateful attitude help — it is essential. In fact, it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. (Photo by Tiger Girl, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Making a Tangible Difference
Why bother making personal choices that seek justice and a better world? How big of an impact can one person really have? Big changes start with small changes. That’s why I am for any attempt (large or small) that help people start where they are at. The truth of the matter is that even the small changes and personal commitments do make a difference. (Photo by Sun Dazed, used by Creative Commons license.)
Abundant Living – Re-thinking Stewardship
Perfect for “stewardship season,” Here’s a meaty five-session study course that digs into the connection between generous living and a faithful discipleship walk. Included are a study guide and links to video introductions (hosted on YouTube) for each session. The study guide contains suggestions as to how to lead each session and additional resources that you may wish to obtain to encourage further discussion. (Photo by AlicePopkorn, Creative Commons License)
Hope and Action: A Small-Church Growth Strategies Handbook
Across the Episcopal Church, a number of small congregations are finding strength and growth. Close examination revealed they have some common characteristics: They are ‘spiritually vital and alive,”‘ they have a “strong mission and purpose,” they are ‘moral beacons in their local communities,” and they are “willing to change to meet new challenges.” The free 100-page booklet reveals their successes and strategies — and provides extensive resources for further study. (Photo by Navdeep Raj, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Our friend, Roger Smith
We pray for the family of Roger Smith, retired stewardship specialist for the ELCA and president of the Board of Directors of the Stewardship of Life Institute. Roger died July 2.
Click the headline above for funeral arrangements and other details.
Click the white box below to share a memory.
Count the Cost: Securing Cash Assets
How secure are your congregation’s procedures and policies for handling cash assets? Click here for a comprehensive white paper from Evangelical Christian Credit Union. This guide is easily downloadable as a PDF document and would be good reading for Church Councils, Finance Committee members, and anyone responsible for handling cash assets. (Photo by Luke & […]
Fostering Giving all Year Long
‘Tis the season of gift-giving, but what about the rest of the year? Jeremy Adam Smith offers seven tips to foster giving every day of the year. Imagine how the lives of individuals and congregations might be changed by placing an emphasis on these simple principles. Click here to read Smith’s article on The Daily […]
Spiritual Practices for the 12 Days of Christmas
“What if we allowed the space from Christmas to Epiphany to be a time of sacred pause, a time to reflect on the year past, the present moment, and the possibilities held in the year to come,” asks Christine Valters Paintner in an essay posted on the Patheos website. Click here to join her in […]
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Lectionary Reflection for Christmas Eve 2011
How can we share the gift that keeps on giving in a way that honors the timelessness of the message but allows us to see, hear, and embody that message in a fresh way?
Giving That is Blessed, Indeed!
“IT’S PERSONAL” BLOG
What did Jesus mean when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”? Is all giving covered? Paul, who quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35, gives us some important hits in the context. (“In Paris Texas” photo, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
