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What will it be—Yes or No?
Lectionary Reflection for Sept. 25, 2011
Do we say the right things but don’t do the right thing? If so, what will it take to experience a change in priorities and to recognize a new authority? What will you preach or teach this Sunday? (Photo by YourLocalDave used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
The Mathematics of Manumission = Freedom in Forgiveness
Who benefits from forgiveness—the one forgiven or the one who forgives? Considering this question leads to some important answers, strange mathematics, and hard work. Are you ready? (Photo by FeatheredTar used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
That was Then; This is Now
5th Sunday in Easter, Year A, May 22, 2011
What would your life be like if you were not a Christian? Do you remember a time before your baptism? Communicating the difference between then and now, between what was, what is, and what could be is of paramount importance in sharing the faith. Photo by Goodnight London used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!
Environmental Awareness for Confirmands
One aspect of the Christian life that often gets little attention in most Lutheran confirmation programs is environmental stewardship. Following is a six-session program that concentrates on how each individual person interacts with his or her surrounding environment. The program has three basic goals; an awareness of how many resources it takes for each of us to live, an awareness of the amounts and kinds of waste each of us generates, and an awareness of our human and Christian responsibility to steward the use of God’s creation.
“Staying Put” Day
Our blogger explores how a “Buy No Gas” Challenge leads to larger questions of consumption and entitlement. Her conclusion? Old habits die hard, and getting out one’s walking shoes is a good response. (Photo by Jay Cuthrell used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
The Stories of Isaiah and Pepe
You and I learn much about living as faithful stewards from the examples of others. For example, let’s examine the calls of two men, hoping thereby that we can examine, accept, and renew our own calls. (Illustration is Michaelangelo’s depiction of Isaiah at the Sistine Chapel.)
Consumerism Study Guides and Lesson Plans
Consumerism is arguably the dominant cultural force in the United States, but our Christian faith challenges consumerism’s assumptions. Here are six study guides — on topics ranging from “Stuff Love,” “Mastering Mammon” and “Discovering Your True Identity” — to help you explore. (Photo by Pandah, used by Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
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.”
Faithful Living: A Biblical Ethic of Financial Stewardship
Financial stewardship is not only a matter of faithful giving but of faithful living. In response to the gospel, we submit our lives to the rule of God, to the lordship of Christ, and to the direction of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be the people God wants us to be and have the lives God wants us to have.
Lost in Transaction
17th Sunday after Pentecost, September 19, 2010
Lectionary Reflection
Don’t let this Sunday’s texts pass by as casually as another retail transaction. We have an opportunity to open conversation and talk about how careful stewardship may affect all of God’s children in real and meaningful ways.
