Browsing Links
Who Preaches the Stewardship Sermon?
It’s an perennial question that congregations ask — do we get an outside speaker to preach the stewardship sermon? There may be many good reasons why you’d want to get an outsider, but Gerry Rafftery of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary says there are a lot of reasons why you wouldn’t. (Photo […]
Lesson: Stewardship in Paul’s Writings
Here is a complete Christian education lesson, including a video link. Paul is very focused on partnerships and how the stewardship of the values of the Rule of God are made concrete in relationships that transform individuals and communities. From the Center for Faith and Giving. (Photo by Bobosh_T, used by Creative Commons license)
Learning How to be Generous
“As a parish pastor, I often noted that generous people are wired differently than people who have not learned generosity,” begins Glenn Taibl in this week’s e-newsletter from the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, Check out Glenn’s reflections, as well as the Center’s website.(Photo by danisabella, used by Creative Commons license)
Why NOT Tithe?
Through the prophet Malachi God tells faithful people to test the Almighty’s generosity by giving 10 percent. When one UCC pastor did just that, she learned that God did, indeed, throw open the gates of blessings. (Photo © thitimontoyai22 – Fotolia.com)
Taking to the Pulpit Against Climate Change
A rabbi in the politically conservative state of Kansas is going from church to church and synagogue to synagogue to bring the message that global warming is real and that God’s people need to rally to do something about it. From USA Today.
Make a Gratitude Adjustment
The science is in, according to Psychology Today, and it shows that simple exercises in gratitude can boost your overall sense of joy and wellbeing. And this article tells you how. Imagine how you can incorporate them into your devotional life! (Photo © laurent hamels – Fotolia.com)
Catholics, the Environment and Our Culture of Waste
Pope Francis has generated headlines with his outspoken comments on the dangers of consumerism and threats to our environment, but his thoughts follow other Pontiffs who have raised concerns, says this insightful article from the Catholic World Report.  (Photo © Keller, Fotolia.com)
Love People, Not Pleasure
Sure, it’s not the first time you’ve heard the message that money, sex and power can’t make us happy, but here it comes from Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute, in a New York Times op-ed piece.  Interesting reading. (Photo by Chris Lott, used by Creative Commons license)
Personal Finance Basics
From Kiplinger’s, the financial magazine, here is a page with good resources on how to get your household finances in shape. Just about every topic is covered, from getting out of debt to buying a car. (Photo by taxcredits.net, used by Creative Commons license)
FAQ about Capital Campaigns
So your finance committee suggests a capital campaign and you want to make sure everybody is on the same page on what that’s all about? This FAQ from the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. (Photo by Stephen Yeargin, used by Creative Commons license)
