Browsing
Proclaiming stewardship: A guide for sermons and temple talks
By the Rev. Dr. Susan K. Hedahl
Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?
Giving hilariously: No-nonsense stewardship
By the Rev. Dr. Ron Lavin
The biblical corrective for mediocrity is joyful generosity. Stewardship Sunday is challenge to stop having a Lutheran Lite faith, rise above mediocrity, and get involved as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rise above mediocrity, greed, selfishness, and fear.
More than tipping — tithing!
By The Rev. Roy Roderick
Although followers of Christ are not to expect thanks for sharing the Good News entrusted to them, this does not mean that no gratitude is necessary in religion. For faith, ingratitude is a tragedy. As King Lear said in the day of his own tragedy, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” So many never even give to God a grace before a meal, but feel compelled to offer a tip to the server afterwards.
Our ministry visible and invisible
By Ronald Keener
The visible church is the church best known week by week. For some the visible church may be only the Sunday morning worship. For another, it may be church school because we have children, and morning worship. Another person may be involved in WELCA or a small group, and that is the church that is best known and visible to them. Then there is the invisible church, the many other programs that are available, but may not directly touch our own lives.
Let’s Stop Responding to the Past
By The Rev. Hank Langknecht
Is anyone motivated to “respond to past blessings?” Of course. But I will bet that although our brains acknowledge that yes, our everything came as God’s gift; and yes, an offering response is seemly; our hearts are not brimming with joy and thanksgiving at the prospect.
Commencement Advice for Every Day
‘IT’S PERSONAL’ BLOG OK, graduates, listen up! This is your big day at last. It’s time to get out there in the world and make a difference! Pursue your dreams! Shoot for the stars! Aim high! The world is your oyster! Set lofty goals! The sky’s the limit! Let your vision be your guide! But […]
What to do with more time than money? Cultivate Relationships
‘Just Living’ Blog
Like gardens, relationships bloom when well-tended. When you have the gift of more time than money, be sure you put that time to good use cultivating valued relationships with family, friends, and community.
The Gift of Water (Living and Otherwise)
LECTIONARY REFLECTION: May 16, 2010
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C
This week’s texts speak of unity in Christ and living water freely given to all who are thirsty. Christians today have the opportunity both to point to the Living Water and to see that all of God’s children have access to clean water. Share the good news, and give so that others may live.
What to do with more time than money? Take Stock!
Think about it: retail operations take inventory on a regular basis, businesses undergo financial audits each year, and employers conduct performance reviews of those in their employ. It makes sense that we as individuals should engage in a period of discernment or “taking stock†of our lives.
What to do with More Time than Money — Rest
In the last entry I talked about the gift of having more time than money and the countercultural reality of this state of being, at least for the Baby Boomer generation. Many of us were indoctrinated with a mindset that our worth is somehow tied up the size of our paycheck, the title we hold, […]
