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cover-gardening

For God so loved the dirt

Whether Christians do right by the environment depends on whether we can see the Earth as a megastore where we can ‘shop’ for whatever we want — or as a garden that needs careful tending. People of faith have not done a very good job helping each other consider the lay of the land. Here’s how to turn the discussion.

pew

America’s Decline in Church Attendance

Noted author, scholar, speaker and pastor, Martin E. Marty discusses the trend that is troubling leaders of churches across the land: dropping attendance. The short-term consequences are troubling enough, but the longer picture is scary.

pin

Stewardship Bible Study for Children

Here is a comprehensive six-session study to help children understand what it means to be a steward. Set of PDF files contains all you need — leaders guides leaders guides and workbooks for kids. Good stuff, from the Alabama Baptist Convention.  (Photo by Vernon Dutton, used under Creative Commons license.)

Gold

Does God Want You to be Rich?

Talk about a polarizing question! But Christian financial author and speaker Gary Moore takes a sensible middle road between “prosperity gospel” proponents and those who disdain money. Thoughtful reading from the website of his organization, “The Financial Seminary. Click the headline above to go to the piece.

And be thankful!

By Clint Schroeder
And, if we are indeed thankful, then surely a manifestation of that gratitude will be a generous sharing of the love and blessings we have received from a gracious God.

Every member visits present challenges as opportunities

By the Rev. Kurt Wandrey
Through mutual encouragement and support, the congregation is strengthened and united to better serve the people around us. As people respond to God’s grace, they discover even more gifts they can use in the Lord’s service. They also see that God is blessing them more than they ever before realized.

Earth

The Power to Change: U.S. Energy Policy and Global Warming

This major policy paper calls on members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) reduce their energy consumption and ask their elected leaders to formulate policies that encourage less greenhouse-gas usage. Comprehensive, prophetic and practical.

small_church

Growth and Stewardship in the Small Church

What makes small churches unique? And what special approaches to growth and stewardship are most effective in the small church? Pastors who want to develop these areas of their ministries may find it helpful to understand what makes this size of congregation distinctive.  From the Congregational Resource Center.

elca-stewardship

Stewardship Sermon Starters

Looking to put more stewardship into your preaching? Here’s a great help—a weekly commentary that highlights stewardship aspects in the lectionary texts.

Collision Course

Lectionary Reflection for January 26, 2009

We are called to step out of our pews, to pull away from the comfort and safety of our warm homes, and to confront a world of pain and suffering. As disciples of Christ and stewards of the good news, our course is set.