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Pious Materialism: How Americans View Faith and Money
Robert Wuthnow, Andlinger Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion at Princeton University, wrote this article for The Christian Century a decade ago, but his observations and critique of the failure of American churches and synagogues to address issues of faith and money in a substantive and effective way […]
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)
Exercise Benefits the Brain, Too!
Want to be happier? Exercise. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete or spend hours in the gym. Twenty minutes is enough to trigger the responses in the brain that lead to a better outlook on life. Now that’s good stewardship! (Photo: Stefan Insam, Creative Commons)
What Better Day for Freedom?
14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, August 25, 2013
The Sabbath is designed to free us–both for praise and worship and from the workaday world–and Jesus models sabbath-keeping in a way that we can learn from and apply to our 21st century contexts. Read on for ideas for worship, and time with youth and children. Blessings on your preparation. (Photo: Janis K, Creative Commons)
From Fear to Faith to Freedom
12th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection August 11, 2013 Do not be afraid little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 Want to appreciate the scale of the universe? Take a blanket outside to a place beyond the lights of town or farmyard, make sure it is […]
So It Is
11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 4, 2013
Instead of preaching about greed, how about lifting the abundant life of interdependence and joy that Jesus teaches? Turn this lesson around and celebrate living life with focus, clarity, and purpose–in the moment–with God at the heart of everything. (Photo: Lori Bee, Creative Commons)
The One Thing in the Midst of Many
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, July 21, 2013
Just how distracted are you? This week’s gospel lesson reminds us to be more mindful of what really matters. Read on…and focus on the one thing. (Photo by Ally Mauro, used by Creative Commons License)
The Messy Work of Neighboring
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
July 14, 2013
Loving your neighbor can be messy business, but it’s what Jesus calls us to do. How will you send the community out to “go and do likewise”? (Photo: Frame It Photography)
“Created to Give, Tempted to Keep”
Adam Hamilton, pastor and author, reflects on how we are hardwired by God to be generous but fall prey to the voices of fear and self-gratification. Click here for more. Click here to learn about Hamilton’s book Enough. (Photo: Liz West, Creative Commons)
Beyond the Blind Spot
Stewardship program in a slump? Congregational enthusiasm flagging? Leaders feeling tired and battle-weary? If so, click here to read C. Otto Scharmer’s article on uncovering the blind spot(s) in leadership. While not aimed at faith communities, the principles are readily applied to congregational settings. (Photo: Nimish Gogri, Creative Commons)
