If 2019 was not a good year financially for your church, you are not alone. Churches across the land are facing tough times. When church income takes a dip, it’s important to be asking the right questions in order to devise the right strategy. This article from Horizons Stewardship offers some great pointers to direct […]
RCL Lectionary Reflection, Proper 28 (33), Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, November 17, 2019
We as the church face some stiff challenges, but that’s okay. There’s nothing that God cannot make a way from, and we are promised that God will never leave us. Even if our structures crumble and burn to the ground, the Spirit will resurrect something new from the ashes. Are we ready for God to do a new thing? (Photo: Peter Kaminski, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for September 29, 2019
God’s faithful and generous people recognize that money is a neutral tool that can lead to great good and joy or enormous suffering and woe. It’s all about the attitudes we hold toward money and how we respond to them that make the difference. This week’s lessons offer a great opportunity to preach about right use of resources. (Photo: Alex Cheek, Creative Commons)
Accountants and businesspeople love spreadsheets and line-item budgets, but regular folks in the pews have a hard time relating the numbers and categories to real-life . That’s why narrative budgets can be so helpful. They explain how the numbers connect to the lives and ministries of your church. The Center for Faith & Giving explains. […]
RCL Reflection, August 25, 2019
In past Year C cycles I have looked at Luke 13:10-17 as an admonition to observe sabbath rest, as a call to see that others are able to enjoy rest, and as a call to greater faithfulness. Yes, those elements are certainly there, but this year, my eyes were opened in a new way. (Photo: J Stimp, Creative Commons)
Everybody knows we need to get enough sleep, but who knows exactly why? WebMD has put together a page with links to a number of resources on the health benefits of sleep, the reasons why many people sleep poorly and what we can do about it. Something to answer all of your sleep concerns and […]
Instead of hanging back, Christians should be leading the environmental agenda, says Cambridge University scientist Bob White, in this thoughtful essay from the U.K.’s Jubilee Centre. White lays out a biblical, theological and moral foundation for getting involved. What are you waiting for? (Photo: U.S. Forest Service, Creative Commons)
Operation Noah offers a list of actions, ranging from beginner to advanced, to educate and equip congregants to become more engaged with environmental stewardship issues, including climate change. Visit Operation Noah’s website and download a PDF for use in your context! (Photo: Michael Livsey, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 26, 2019
As we mature in faith and open ourselves to the vastness of God, our job is to look around. Where do we see Jesus? The answer, of course, is everywhere in every atom and molecule of creation and in the faces of our neighbors. But like the toddler playing peek-a-boo with a beloved adult, we have to open our eyes and look. (Photo: Dennis Jarvis, Creative Commons)
Stereotypes abound about Millennials, especially when it comes to giving: They’re lazy, self-absorbed, ungenerous! But the truth is much different, says Anders Peterson, a pastor in California. He sets the record straight in this article from the Center for Steward Leadership at Luther Seminary. (Photo © mangostock – Fotolia.com)
