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Faith and Fishing
Third Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 10, 2016
Instead of standing around waiting, wondering, or wandering off into our own little orbits, let’s take a cue from Peter and go fishing. Drop a net or a line or an inhibition, and let Jesus guide hands, heart, and mind. (Photo: odysseus-Studio, Creative Commons)
Lighten Up and Let Loose the Praise
Second Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 3, 2016
The “alleluias†are back, and are they ever plentiful! They sound pretty good at the Easter festival services, but have you noticed how they tend to lose their vim and vigor as the weeks go by? Why is that, and what can we do about it?
Earth Sunday Resources for Worship & Education
Earth Day, April 22, falls on a Tuesday this year, so why not plan an Earth Sunday — or Creation Sunday — on April 20 or April 27? You can make it a celebration of the natural environment in worship, and a special teaching opportunity for your Sunday school. Here are some places to get ideas and resources. (NASA photo: Public domain)
Essentials for a Successful Stewardship Strategy
Nearly every church faces two great challenges — developing more leaders and developing more resources to fund the ministries of the church. This video training series presents a plan for overcoming both of these challenges even as you increase your church’s effectiveness in carrying out the Great Commission. This training is divided into 13 short segments. Show all of the segments over a period of time or simply pick and choose those segments that best meet your church’s needs. (Photo: Rob Nguyen, Creative Commons)
An Idle Tale and Unlikely Evangelists
Resurrection of our Lord, Year C, March 27, 2016
Are twelve short verses, an idle tale, and some unlikely evangelists enough to make an Easter sermon this year? With God all things are possible, and what we have is more than enough. Get ready to celebrate! (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
To Serve and Love: Following the Way of Christ
Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C, March 20, 2016
When we, as followers of Christ, set out to serve one another and all whom we encounter in this beautiful yet broken world, we are going to get dirty. I can guarantee you that much. Our hands will be soiled, our hearts will be stained, and our dreams will be sullied. (Photo: Paukrus, Creative Commons)
Embracing Stewardship
“Why is stewardship so stinking difficult?” That’s a question you hear many congregational leaders ask, and it’s also a chapter in the new resource offered by Charles R. Lane and Grace Duddy Pomroy. “Embracing Stewardship” addresses that age-old question by offering both a solid theoretical/theological grounding and practical, down-to-earth approaches for making stewardship an everyday part of a congregation’s life together. An accessible, affordable resource.
Costly: A Life Poured Out
Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 13, 2016
I’m pretty sure most of us would rather pour costly perfume on Jesus and see ourselves worshiping him extravagantly instead of acting like a greedy, selfish traitor that seems to be Judas’ lot in life. But would we do so when it comes right down to it? Can we break ourselves open in radical discipleship? (Photo: Paul Kussrow, Creative Commons)
Stewardship Grants Deadline Nears
The deadline is looming — March 15 — for applications in the latest funding round of the Stewardship of Life Institute’s grant program. SOLI grants provide money to help plan and implement projects to advance stewardship in the ELCA. Applications are submitted online. See details inside! (Photo by FrankieLeon, used by Creative Commons license.)
Plenty, Paucity, and a Measly Kid Goat
Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 6, 2016
The story of the prodigal son is so rich: It touches on grace, abounds in hope, and drips with love. It also serves as a powerful story about stewardship. Jesus tells a tale that offers a fine comparison between living with an abundance mindset and nurturing a sense of scarcity. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
