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)
Should a pastor know how much people give? Some call it a “third rail” of ministry — touch it get zapped! Others say the knowledge is essential to good ministry. This United Methodist Church article discusses up the pros and cons while also lifting up ways to encourage healthy talk about money in church.
The end of the accounting year always means lots of work and headaches for the church finance team, but this article can help them get through it in accordance with legal and bookkeeping proficiency. From FreeChurchAccounting.com. (Photo: www.SeniorLiving.Org, used by permission)
Who says learning about stewardship has to be dull? Teach generosity to the children in your family or your church and have some fun in the process with these activities prepared by Food for the Hungry. The activities also help bring an understanding of poverty and daily life in other countries. (Photo: Stephen Depolo, Creative […]
The holidays offer lots of rich and tempting foods, but many of us need to watch what we eat for health reasons. Eating mindfully can help moderate. And even if food does not present health challenges, we all can enjoy our food more fully with mindful eating. This bulletin from Harvard Medical School explains. (Photo: […]
“If you’re going to be effective in ministry, you have to become comfortable talking about money. Few church leaders I know are,” writes church consultant Carey Nieuwhof. Those who don’t address money are generally leading their congregations to bankruptcy. Nieuwhof offers seven good ideas. (Photo: www.inkmedia.eu, Creative Commons)
The Lutheran World Federation is urging members to raise their voices and take action after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report that warned of dire consequences by 2040 if the world does not address greenhouse gas emissions. Read the statement and click on the link to the IPCC report. (Photo: Takver, Creative Commons)
Some fall stewardship campaigns are like autumn leaves — predictable and easy for folks to take for granted. But a little creativity and technical know-how can boost your campaign to another level. This resource from the United Methodist Church explains how. (Photo: Niuton may, Creative Commons)
Here’s a brainy, in-depth look at the ethics of big-dollar philanthropy. The New Yorker‘s Elizabeth Kolbert looks at the issue from the days of Andrew Carnegie to the present and questions whether ultra-rich donors achieve the positive results they purport to desire. (Photo: Mykl Roventine, Creative Commons)
