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The Abundant Joy of Inter-dependence

Lectionary Reflection for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 7, 2013
This is a Sunday to celebrate all the good things God has done, including knitting together the Body of Christ in an interdependent way that enables us to do far more than we could ever do alone. (Photo: )

Now!

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C, June 30,2013

How often do we take a ministry or mission project or initiative through committee and council, only to have it stalled or tabled for further discussion? How often have you heard the words “We tried that 10 years ago, and it didn’t work then.” The world needs good news, and it needs it now! This week challenge one another to put aside any “buts” and get moving in mission and ministry. (Photo: bertknot, Creative Commons )

Big Love

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Lectionary 11)
June 16, 2013
This week’s gospel lesson about the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears raises a good question. Can we allow ourselves to be broken in order to be healed, to believe that in our pouring out we will be gathered into the Body of Christ and by our faith be set free? (Photo: © rolffimages – Fotolia.com)

Money Jar

7 Truths About Stewardship Programs

No. 1: “The first place to look for money is in the heart, not the wallet.” This resource explains why, and then goes on to explain SIX more truths! It’s a great, handy resource from the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.  (Photo by Varkle69, used by creative Commons license – Thanks!)

Sufficient

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, June 2, 2013
We can learn a lot from Jesus’ encounter with the Roman centurion. Yes, this is a story about healing, but it is also a stewardship opportunity. We are sufficient in Christ, and in the Body of Christ we live lives of abundant sufficiency. Read on for ideas for preaching, worship, and time with children and youth. (Photo: © 2jenn – Fotolia.com)

In Good Company: Peace, Love, & Hope

Holy Trinity Sunday Lectionary Reflection, May 26, 2013
Instead of trying to use logic and reason to explain the concept of the Trinity, why not celebrate the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the amazing “hope that does not disappoint.” An extra helping of hope may be just what worshipers need to keep walking as disciples in this weary world. (Photo: © Christy Thompson – Fotolia.com)

Second-hand Wise

Click here to read Leah Wise’s reflection on how shopping in thrift stores–made popular by Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis–can actually be a way to practice better stewardship and do justice. While you’re there, take a look at the other articles on the RELEVANT website. (Photo: adiything, Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

One for All, All for One

Lectionary Reflection for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 12, 2013. Jesus calls the church, as diverse as we Christians are, to be one. That’s quite a challenge in today’s world, but let’s take it seriously.

Teaching Children to be Generous

Here’s an article from the Wall Street Journal that offers good tips for parents in any income bracket who want help their children become generous stewards of time, talent, and resources. (Photo: © Jaren Wicklund – Fotolia.com)

Visions, Dreams, and Bold Response

Sixth Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection, May 5, 2013
What does it mean to have vision? How is God speaking to you and to your faith community? Who is that “man from Macedonia” in your dreams? Who or what is calling you to faithful action and holy response? (Photo: © bonniemarie – Fotolia.com)