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Real Strength

Lectionary Reflection for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 8, 2012

In a world and cultural milieu where the church faces increasing challenges, these lessons offer both encouragement and a wake-up call for all who would be disciples. Christians have a different idea about what constitutes strength. (Photo by bHope34 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Seven Practices to Shape Your Church’s Culture

Click here to read church vision expert Will Mancini’s thoughts on seven key practices to shape church culture. These practices can be used intentionally by church leaders to help articulate and shape culture and in turn clarify vision.  (Photo by Alex Wiebe used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Enjoy a Money-Free Weekend

A good time does not necessarily involve spending money. In this short blog post Trent Hamm of The Simple Dollar discusses his family’s move to creative money-free weekends. Click here to read more. (Photo by USFWSmidwest used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

The Giving Community

Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
July 1, 2012
This week’s epistle lesson offers an excellent chance to talk about stewardship and generosity. Read on for ideas for preaching and teaching, worship, and time with youth and children.

Stewardship Guide for Children and Youth

Here’s a 35 page downloadable document from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston. Click here to access the download as a PDF document, entitled Caring and Sharing and Returning God’s Gifts.  You should find many good ideas to adapt to your context. (Photo by Richard Masoner used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Stewardship and Green Living

Here’s a downloadable guide to Green Living (PDF format) from the PCUSA designed to “prompt individual lifestyle changes and offer resources and ideas to assist in greening our lives and sharing God’s love with the world.” Click here to download the guide. (Photo by Argonne National Laboratory used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Stewardship Games

Looking for some fun, interactive games to teach stewardship principles to children in your congregation? Click here for Jennie Dalcour’s eHow article for some good ideas. (Photo by ptmoney.com used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Wide Open Faith

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 24, 2012
How does a wide open faith and heart help us to deal with life’s storms? Even when we don’t realize it, God is riding the waves with us, bringing us through the chaos into safe, grace-full harbors. (Photo by NASA used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Growing Season

Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 17, 2012
Do you feel more like a tiny seed or a giant cedar tree? Wonder how anything can possibly grow from your paltry faith, your singular action, or your tiny congregation? The lessons this week have a hopeful word for you, so do read on. (Photo by jakeliefer used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

One Big Hopeful Family

Second Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection
June 10, 2012
Jesus’ notion of family is a wide circle of inclusion. How is our Lord’s definition of family reflected in your community of faith? (Photo by dsearls used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)