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Fear of Drowning in the Seas of Change

Narrative Lectionary Year One Reflection for September 28, 2014
Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29
Fear of change affects our faith communities in much the same way it did God’s people leaving Egypt. Read on to see how this story can speak to today’s church and how stewardship is woven throughout. (Photo: CC-Archer, Creative Commons)

  • September 26
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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)

  • September 24
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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, […]

  • September 10
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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)

  • September 10
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10 Things You Should Know About Online Giving

Wanting to get started with online giving in your congregation? Be sure to download and read this handy guide from serviceU. It offers 10 considerations plus five books all pastors should read. Click the title to be redirected to the free PDF. (Photo: Creative Commons)

A Conversation with Wendell Berry

Watch the 2013 Chubb Lecture at Yale University, A Conversation with Wendell Berry, posted on the website of the Forum on Religion and Ecology at Yale. While you’re there check out the many other resources available on this website. (Photo: Center for Interfaith Relations, Creative Commons)

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)

How to Prevent an Identity Crisis

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year A, August 24, 2014
Want to know how to prevent an identity crisis? Take a cue from Peter in this week’s gospel lesson. This lesson applies to 21st century followers of Jesus, too! (Photo: David Goehring, Creative Commons)

Seminary Garden Feeds Body, Mind, & Spirit

Asbury Theological Seminary’s community garden is doing much more than feeding students. It’s become an important educational tool that includes a prayer garden, fire pit, preaching amphitheater, and nature path. (Photo: seminaryalliance.org)