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Beyond the Blind Spot

Stewardship program in a slump? Congregational enthusiasm flagging? Leaders feeling tired and battle-weary? If so, click here to read C. Otto Scharmer’s article on uncovering the blind spot(s) in leadership. While not aimed at faith communities, the principles are readily applied to congregational settings. (Photo: Nimish Gogri, Creative Commons)

The Abundant Joy of Inter-dependence

Lectionary Reflection for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 7, 2013
This is a Sunday to celebrate all the good things God has done, including knitting together the Body of Christ in an interdependent way that enables us to do far more than we could ever do alone. (Photo: )

Now!

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C, June 30,2013

How often do we take a ministry or mission project or initiative through committee and council, only to have it stalled or tabled for further discussion? How often have you heard the words “We tried that 10 years ago, and it didn’t work then.” The world needs good news, and it needs it now! This week challenge one another to put aside any “buts” and get moving in mission and ministry. (Photo: bertknot, Creative Commons )

In Good Company: Peace, Love, & Hope

Holy Trinity Sunday Lectionary Reflection, May 26, 2013
Instead of trying to use logic and reason to explain the concept of the Trinity, why not celebrate the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the amazing “hope that does not disappoint.” An extra helping of hope may be just what worshipers need to keep walking as disciples in this weary world. (Photo: © Christy Thompson – Fotolia.com)

Developing a Planned Giving Program

Click here to explore “Elements of a Successful Planned Giving Program” on the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations website. This guide covers the basics and provides solid resources to begin a conversation in your context about gift planning. (Photo: David Morris, Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Doubt, Belief, and Life in Jesus’ Name

Second Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection, April 7, 2013
What do doubt, belief, and life in the name of Christ have in common? A lot! This Sunday’s gospel reading offers rich material to consider why it matters that we continue to gather, to tell the stories of faith, and to encounter Jesus. (Photo by Christine Matthews. Thanks!)

Changed

Transfiguration of our Lord Lectionary Reflection, February 10, 2013

Transfiguration need not be limited to the mountaintop. We are in the process of being changed through our relationship with Jesus–transfigured individually and in community to bring light to the world. (Photo © Mopic – Fotolia.com)

Host a Final Affairs Fair

Check out how one St. Philip’s Cathedral (ECUSA) in Atlanta, educated its members about wills, planned gifts, and getting one’s final affairs in order–in a lighthearted and informative format. Click here to learn more. (Photo by Ken_Mayer. Thanks!)

A Feast of Word and Words

Lectionary Reflection, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 27, 2013
This week’s lessons provide many opportunities to feast on the Word of God. One may also reflect on the power of words in our communal life, individual faith development, stewardship, and evangelism. (Photo by Rachel-Esther. Thanks!)

Spiritual Gifts and the Party that Never Ends

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday after Epiphany January 20, 2013 How priceless is your love, O God! All peoples take refuge under the shadow of your wings. They feast upon the abundance of your house; you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the well of life, and […]