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Potlucks, Comfort Food, and Faith

Third Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection, April 22, 2012
Comfort food and soul food calm our fears and show our love. When we come to Christ’s table, we receive the ultimate in comfort and soul food, nourishment that equips and strengthens us for mission and ministry as witnesses to the world. (Photo by UUCJ used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Impossible Dream or Resurrection Reality?

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Easter, April 15, 2012
No doubt about it, this Sunday is a great day to talk about stewardship and generosity. The lesson from Acts lifts up a model for Christian community that is both controversial and compelling. Are you up to the challenge? (Photo by stephen.willis used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!0

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A Story for Uncertain Times

Lectionary Reflection for Easter Day, Year B, April 8, 2012

The empty tomb occasions both shouts of victory and mute terror and awe–if we are honest about it. Mark’s account of the resurrection is truly a story of hope and promise for uncertain times. (Photo by Tony Beeman used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Who Founded Earth Day?

Many people have no clue who first conceived of Earth Day or that he was a person of deep faith who spent a life sharing the message “peace, justice, and the care of the earth.” Click here to read John A. Murdock’s article entitled “Earth Day’s Forgotten Founder” published in the Spring 2012 issue of… Read more»

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Earth Day 2012

Earth Day 2012 is right around the corner and falls on Sunday, April 22. What does your faith community have planned? Here’s a one page PDF document to download that offers some wonderful faith-based ideas and handy links to other resources. Be sure to visit www.blessedearth.org for additional ideas and many fine resources. (Photo by… Read more»

Conflict Resolution

Conversation Peace

Ann Garrido and Sheila Heen offer some helpful pointers to practice what we preach when it comes to addressing conflict in the parish. Conflict within faith communities is often unavoidable; however, how we respond to conflict is of great importance. Click here to read their article posted on the Boston University School of Theology website.  Photo by… Read more»

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Paying it Forward

Money derives its meaning and power from the hand that holds it and chooses how to use it. Click here to read Ashley’s delightful “pay it forward” story posted on enemyofdebt.com. What kind of “act of fiscal kindness” might be in your future? Photo by Joshua Tintner used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!

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Money and the Moral Instinct?

Click here to read Trent Hamm’s thoughts on how one’s concept of money and consumption are affected by the moral instinct. He bases his thoughts on Steven Pinker’s discussion of the moral instinct in this New York Times Magazine article. What do you think? Photo: Big Stock Photo

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A Theological Model for the Environment

Click here to read “Environmental Stewardship: A Theological Model for the Environment” by Andy Lewis from The Ethics and Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Lewis perceives a ”great need for Christian discussion of and involvement in proper use and protection of the environment.” Photo by Paul Aloe used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!

One Heart in God

God from the Inside Out

Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 25, 2012
The words of Jeremiah offer profound hope for Christians seeking to walk as disciples in this world. We are God’s people. God knows us and is deeply imprinted on our hearts. (Photo by fradaveccs used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)