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First (and always)–Give Thanks

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
October 13, 2013
One of the greatest gifts we can give to each other in Christian community is that of helping one another cultivate a spirit of gratitude. If we do this, the glad hearts and generous spirits will follow. Saying “Thank you, Jesus” is enough, but it’s only the beginning.

Faith — ‘A Little Dab’ll Do Ya!’

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, October 6, 2013
More is not always necessary, or even better. Take hot sauce for example. A little goes a long way. God gives us enough faith. We need only trust and be good stewards of the gift. (Photo: Creative Commons)

Creative Recycling

Check out this article from Mother Nature Network! It shows you how to recycle everything from crayons to Crocs and a whole lot more. (Photo: jjsink, Creative Commons)

Spiritual Vitality and Stewardship

Check out the September 2013 issue of the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices Vestry Papers “Wholehearted Stewardship.” Be sure to read Fr. Bill Nesbit’s article “Spiritual Vitality.”

  • September 29
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True Wealth

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
September 29, 2013
There’s really no way to skirt the issue of wealth, poverty, and economic justice woven throughout this week’s lessons. Here are some thoughts and ideas to help you explore the issues faithfully in preaching, worship, teaching, and with children and youth. (Photo: Cea, Creative Commons. Thanks!)

  • September 26
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Fully Faithful

Lectionary Reflection for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C
September 22, 2013
The parable of the dishonest manager provides a good context for discussing faith, commitment, and…money. How are you addressing the right and faithful use of resources within your community of faith? (Photo: Liz West, Creative Commons, Thanks!)

  • September 19
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Precious in God’s Sight

17th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, September 8, 2013
Ever been lost or lost some one or something you loved? If so, then you can appreciate Jesus’ stories from this week’s gospel reading. How can we learn to value one another as much as Jesus values us? (Photo: Keoni Cabral, Creative Commons)

  • September 12
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Really, Jesus?

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, September 8, 2013

Surely Jesus is kidding, right? What’s all this talk about hating family, carrying crosses, and giving up possessions? Discipleship can’t be that hard, can it? Maybe it’s time we stopped skirting the issue and started living with the questions. (Photo: Tsahi Levent-Levi, Creative Commons)

Three Simple Actions: Modeling Stewardship for ‘Tweens

Chris McKenna, Director of Middle School Ministry at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Caledonia, Michigan, shares three simple actions to help ‘tweens become better stewards of God’s gifts. (Photo: Jose Kevo, Creative Commons)

Invited and Inviting

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
September 1, 2013
Showing up, sitting down, and sharing our abundant blessings is the kind of banquet Jesus is talking about. Every place is a place of honor in God’s economy, and the “grace list” includes all of us. That’s good news indeed! (Photo: Elin B., Creative Commons)