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Come to the Feast
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, October 12, 2014
God sets a forth a feast in three of today’s four readings, sending a message of abundance and provision. Yet how often do we seek to accept God’s blessings on our own terms and at our own convenience–often to the detriment of others? (Photo: zoe.wang, Creative Commons, Thanks!)
Stewardship is a Self-Less Thing
16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Lectionary Reflection
Sept. 28, 2014
This week’s epistle lesson offers a wonderful opportunity to begin a conversation about stewardship without mentioning money, much less asking for any. What are you waiting for? Start the conversation! (Photo: Ricardo Camacho, Creative Commons)
Forgiveness and Sending
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, September 14, 2014 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Forgiveness as a Mark of Christian Community Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘ Not seven times, […]
Harvest Liturgy
Harvest time is in full swing in the many parts of the northern hemisphere. If you’re planning a Harvest Sunday, here’s an almost complete liturgy from the “parishLife” blog of Simon Rundell, rector and author. Be sure to check out his other work whilst you’re there. (Photo: Herry Lawford, Creative Commons)
Model Church Financial Policy
Does your congregation have an updated financial policy? If not, here’s a good place to start. LifeWay and Keith Hamilton provide a downloadable 2-page model policy that you can use or build on. (Photo: Ken Teegardin, Creative Commons)
How About a “Mad-Libs” Pledge Card?
Here’s a great idea and conversation starter from our friends at ECF Vital Practices! Consider your own version of this Chicago parish’s Mad-Lib-style pledge card. (Photo: Jenna, Creative Commons)
Basic Guide to Congregational Endowments
Looking for a basic guide to begin planning an endowment fund for your congregation? Download this free 42-page PDF from Thrivent and the InFaith Community Foundation. It has plenty of good material to get you started. (Photo: Raul Hernandez Gonzalez, Creative Commons)
You Have to Ask!
Brian Rose is convinced that we have to have the “money” talk in church. In this short article, Rose (lead navigator for Auxano) offers seven actions to get you started and keep you going. Let’s face it, if we don’t ask, the church won’t receive and our ministries will lack funding. (Photo: keoni kabral, Creative […]
A Debt of Love and Loving Covenant
Lectionary Reflections for Sunday, September 7, 2014
Whether you’re looking at love and reconciliation with the RCL lessons or God’s covenant with Noah and all creation, we have sermon starters, worship ideas, and suggestions for time with youth and children. Beginning this week, we’ll be looking at both the Revised Common and Narrative Lectionaries. (Photo: Marcelino Repayla Jr., Creative Commons)
Spin Doctors or Cross Bearers?
12th Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 31, 2014
We are called into a way of life that runs counter to everything the world tells us is worth having and doing and being. We are invited into community, splashed with water and word, filled with Spirit breath, and gifted to give and give and give some more. And that life is good–very, very good. (Photo by Leland Francisco, used by Creative Commons license)
