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Why a Health Ministry?

Developing a health ministry in your congregation can be an important part of your overall stewardship efforts and education. Check out this article from the United Church of Christ website for ideas on how to start. (Photo: Photo © Sebastian Duda – Fotolia.com)

Walk Wet and Share the Good News

Baptism of our Lord, Year A, January 8, 2017
This week’s gospel is a great springboard to remember and give thanks for your baptism, but don’t stop there! We have good news to share as we walk wet in this world. (Photo: Waiting for the Word, Creative Commons License)

Stewardship Prayer for the New Year

For Christians, January is a good time not only to make resolutions, but also to “take stock, reassess, and recommit to a life lived for and in Jesus Christ.” Let’s take advantage of this time of year to become closer to the Lord, writes The Practicing Catholic blogger Lisa Schmidt, who offers a prayer. (Photo © […]

The Budgeting/Happiness Connection

Budgeting may not only improve one’s financial condition but also one’s happiness. Good budgeting is also connected to smarter spending. Check out this article and see how you can adjust your spending habits to yield more satisfaction with life. (Photo: taxcredits.net, Creative Commons)

10 Essentials for an Effective Church Vision

What is church vision? Bill Hybels calls it “a picture of the future that produces passion and puts people in it.” Others say it is a picture of a preferred future. I say vision is what you see, feel, and hear on Sunday compounded over time. Here are 10 essentials, and some food for thought […]

But what if I don’t?

Writer and minimalist Joshua Carver suggests asking this one simple five-word question before every purchase you make. Yes, five words can change your outlook considerably. Go ahead, give it a try during the month of January! (Photo: © ashumskiy – Fotolia.com)

January 2017 Stewardship ‘Toolbox’

Here is a great all-in-one resource for your congregation’s monthly stewardship communications. You’ll find short “Stewardship Snippets” tied to the RCL readings for every Sunday’s bulletin, articles for your monthly newsletter or website – ready to cut and paste, plus links to resources and more! Prepared by SOLI web editor Rob Blezard. (Photo © Les Cunliffe […]

TED Radio: Giving it Away

You can give away almost anything — your time, money, food, ideas. In this hour, stories from TED speakers who are “giving it away” in new and surprising ways, and the things that happen in return. Their insights into a new world of giving offer important lessons for church leaders. Check out especially Dan Pallotta’s segment. (Photo: Stephen Dann, Creative Commons)

Disposing of Waste Responsibly

4.4 pounds of trash per day? Yes, that’s the amount an average person throws away. In addition to reducing that amount, disposing responsibly matters. Here are some suggestions. (Photo: Grant Hutchins, Creative Commons)

10 Children’s Books that Inspire Simplicity

In this season of gift-giving (often to excess!), why not give children on your list a book that will help inspire simplicity and teach stewardship. Here are 10 suggestions to consider. (Photo: San Jose Library, Creative Commons)