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God’s Love Language

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Year A, Jan. 30, 2011
What does God require of us? To understand AND respond, we might want to consider God’s “love language.” Photo by coolm36 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!

Francis of Assisi: Steward of a Radical Faith

The simplicity of Francis’ vision, if not as grandiose, has the equal power to disturb: leave all, and follow me. The reach of this vision goes beyond a challenge to the rising capitalism of medieval Europe. It extends to all, whether individual or group, who possess anything more than the essentials. It speaks to peace, to service, to care of the earth and one another. (Photo by randomcuriosity used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

Immediately

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Jan. 23, 2011
This is a wonderful text with lots of possibilities. What’s the most immediate point that needs to be lifted up in your context? Perhaps it is this one: when Jesus calls, just HOW immediate must one’s answer be? This minute? Today? Tomorrow? Next year?

Pastor: Fund Raiser for Mission

To a present culture of materialism, selfishness, and consumerism, we are called to model in our own lives and teach others Christian financial stewardship. Each of us clergy and lay leaders can be trained in our discipling to not only make good stewards of our people, but also to talk the language of fund raising and do so with the conviction that it is an important part of our Christian ministry. (Photo by Fallonyates, used by Creative Commons license.)

Look/See: A Simple Lesson in Evangelism

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, Jan. 16, 2011
Evangelism does not have to be costly and complicated. In fact Jesus and John boil it down to two actions expressed by the words “look” and “see.”

God Speaks; are you listening?

BAPTISM OF OUR LORD, YEAR A
God continues to speak in many different ways. We humans continue to have a hard time listening. Why is that? (Photo by ky_olsen used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

2011: The Year of Satisfaction?

2ND SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS, YEAR A, Jan. 2, 2011
It’s time to stop bewailing what what we lack and start giving thanks for God’s abundance. Why not make 2011 “A Year of Satisfaction” for yourself and for your congregation? Instead of focusing on resolutions concentrate of being satisfied and sharing. (Photo by vectorportal used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

What about Joseph?

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 19, 2010
This week’s gospel text offers an excellent opportunity to connect with the men in the pews. Consider lifting up Joseph as a fine example of counter-cultural discipleship and a strong male role model for today’s men and many challenges they face. (Photo by Rae Whitlock used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

Testimony of a Tither

I have tithed for many decades, and it has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Although there were always places that the money could go, I never felt that I did not have enough for me and my family. I also felt the need to tell others of my tithing experience. Why am I a tither?

Stewardship Vision

James Murdoch examines through a theological lens what it means to be a faithful disciple of Christ and a good steward and challenges other Christians to do the same. Peruse the full text of his e-book Stewardship: A Way of Life for People and Churches at no cost or download for Christian education or church leadership retreats. (Photo by Alicia-Lee-07 used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)