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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!)

10 Deadly Mistakes in Church Grantwriting

OK, your church wants to apply for grant funding? Great! While doing so, be sure to avoid these common grantwriting mistakes. An informative article from the ChristanPost. (Photo © gunnar3000 – Fotolia.com)

Thinking Theologically about Faith & Wealth

Here’s a study guide authored by Carol Johnston inviting participants to consider the theological meaning of wealth by examining literature on Christian practices of giving and stewardship as well as scriptural and cultural understandings of riches. A downloadable PDF document is available. (Photo by pfarrell95. Thanks!)

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!)

The Generosity Paradox

Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson have spent the past three years leading a study at the University of Notre Dame entitled “The Science of Generosity Initiative.” Click here to read their findings about the paradoxical benefits of generosity and the sociological science behind them. (Photo: Jason Empey. Thanks!)

Year-End Accounting Checklist for Churches

Here’s a year-end checklist for churches of common tax and administrative responsibilities that should be addressed as the year draws to a close. Pass the information along to finance committees and treasurers to make sure all loose ends are wrapped up. (Photo by 401kcalculator.org. Thanks!)

The Science Behind Giving

Yes, there really is something to encouraging prayer before committing one’s pledge or gift to ministry. Philanthropic Psychologist Jen Shang (Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University) offers some insight into the “how” and “why” of donor decisions to give in this New York Times interview. Click here to read more. (Photo by Lel4nd. Thanks!)

Evaluating Financial Parenting Skills

Check out Trent Hamm’s thoughts on raising financially-fit children, along with a book recommendation to help with the process. Trent has many good financial posts on his website thesimpledollar.com. Click here! (Photo by Howard County Library System. Thanks!)

What do you Lack?

20th Sunday after Pentecost, October 14, 2012
Lectionary Reflection
What possessions, what “stuff,” and what intangibles are keeping you from following Jesus’ instructions for discipleship? This is another hard teaching, but it is one that comes with a promise. Photo: © dimdimich – Fotolia.com

Tithing with Justice

Here’s a thoughtful article by Chris Haw about the biblical practice of tithing and its relationship to justice. Posted on the Two Cents blog, you are invited to join the conversation. (Photo by SAiM)