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Living Stones
Lectionary Reflection: April 14, 2008
Our columnist is now a quarter way through her year of buying nothing new, and she keeps receiving new awarenesses.
Rx for Heartburn
Lectionary Reflection: March 31, 2008
So, tell me, do you experience heartburn? I certainly hope that you do! No, of course, I’m not talking about the kind of heartburn that sends you rummaging in the medicine cabinet for Prilosec or Pepcid.
Discipleship: The Challenge of Staying Focused
Lectionary Reflection: March 17, 2008
Holy Week is a busy time for pastors and laypeople alike. Is it too busy?
Ex-Lucas-Libris
Just Living: February 18, 2008
In her year of simplifying her life, our columnist faced a perplexing problem: What about the books?
The Gift of Community
Lectionary Reflection: February 4, 2008
We are bound together, you and I. Each one of us is wonderfully and uniquely created by God with gifts and talents, skills and abilities, failings and frailties. But we are not alone, nor are we designed to be alone.
Of Storage Bags, Shower Curtains, Stewardship and Stuff
Just Living: January 14, 2008
To be an effective steward of all this stuff, I’m taking a four-pronged approach. Believe me, it’s a daunting process!
Church Finance Resources from the UCC
Here’s a collection of free, downloadable church finance resources provided by the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. You’ll find many helpful tools here. (Photo: kenteegardin, Creative Commons)
Fasting God’s Way
Lectionary Reflection, 5th Sunday After Epiphany, Year A
February 9, 2014
What do the words of Jesus and the Prophet have to say to us about discipleship this week? Plenty! While the instructions are tough ones to hear and follow, we are not alone and we do not “fast” in vain. So, dear friends, let your lights shine and spread mercy, justice, and generosity liberally wherever you go. Read on for ideas with youth and children and for worship. (Photo: ralph repo, Creative Commons)
Avoiding the connection between faith and money
By the Rev. Dr. William O. Avery
The whole subject of stewardship is limited to the needs of the giver, not the needs of the receiver. The truth is that it really is better to give than to receive — better for the giver’s own spiritual development. This is biblical. This is the gospel of good giving. Pastors should not become a pleader of needs – endorse the proclaimed financial goals of the church, but do not plead!
Can These Bones Live?
Lectionary Reflection: March 3, 2008
The Sunday’s lectionary reading from Ezekiel has special meaning for residents of the Upper Midwest who have been dealing with population decline and other problems.