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Stewards of Joy
Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, December 13, 2015
This third Sunday of Advent brings us to the turning point, reminding us to remember from whence our help comes, to turn from that which separates us from God, and feast on a heaping helping of hope and joy. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)
A Matter of Distribution
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year C, December 6, 2015
As stewards of God’s abundance we can choose to do a “new†thing, or at least a different thing during the season of Advent. What if we looked at the road ahead, the days that stand between us and Christmas, as a time to let go of something, to share something, to live more simply, to choose to do less and live more? (Photo: BrunoBrunan, Creative Commons)
Stewardship in Advent Series: Give Thanks
First Sunday of Advent, Year C, November 29, 2015
This year enter Advent with prayer and thanksgiving. Focus on building relationships rather than credit card debt. Do random acts of kindness and generosity rather than stressing over the perfect Christmas. You’ll be glad you did! (Photo: Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ, Creative Commons)
Develop Your Church’s Memorial and Honor Giving
The gift planning strategy of a local congregation should be geared to encouraging people to give and to make it easier for them to do so. Honor gifts (donated in the name of living people) and memorial gifts (donated in the name of the deceased) are wonderful vehicles for giving, but many churches fail to make the most of them by having no set policies or sloppy policies on how to handle them. Here are some practical tips. (Photo: Bill McChesney, Creative Commons)
Not From Around These Parts
Lectionary Reflection for Christ the King Sunday, Year B
November 22, 2015
We Christians should be perceived as odd folk. Our Lord surely stood out as different. And we know the truth he proclaimed. Therefore, we should claim our identity as odd folk from a different reality. After all, we’re not from around these parts. (Photo: Alias 0591, Creative Commons)
Hold Fast! Keep the Faith.
Lectionary Reflection for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, November 15, 2015
This week’s lessons encourage us to remember that our great stone edifices and proud prairie worship houses—all lovingly constructed to the glory of God and for the sake of community—will not stand forever. Yet, our Lord tell us to not be alarmed. We are to hold fast and keep the faith. (Photo: Guillermo Viciano, Creative Commons)
The Abundant Life
Lectionary Reflection for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, November 8, 2015
This week’s readings bring us glimpses of two widows: two women on the margins who nonetheless manage to see abundance rather than scarcity. To first century audiences, their situations would have appeared hopeless and their choices absurd—give away all your money or share your last bit of food with a stranger. How will our congregants hear these stories today? (Photo: olearys, Creative Commons)
Stone Soup Stewardship
Here’s a wonderful reflection by Kimberlee Cloutier-Blazzard employing the familiar “stone soup” story as an entrance into discussion about stewardship, sharing, and community building. It’s a perfect option for your Thanksgiving service, for a children’s time, or for a discussion-starter with your youth or adult study group. (Photo: shawndwturner, Creative Commons)
The Finest of Feasts
All Saints Sunday, Year B, November 1, 2015
Come to the feast, child of God. Feast on bread and wine. Feast on the knowledge that Jesus Christ has overcome death, has risen from the dead, and calls us all to resurrection both now and in eternity. (Photo: Randy OHC, Creative Commons)
Budget for Growth in Your Church
Recently a Senior Pastor friend of mine attempting to lead his church of 180 in growth asked if I had any thoughts I could share with his governing board about crafting an effective budget for their church. I have plenty. Many churches are stuck because they look at budgeting all the wrong way. Here are some ideas. (Photo: Taxcredits.net, Creative Commons)
