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Celebrating Generosity Every Day

Check out this short film by David and Hi-Jin Hodge. The filmmakers interview a diverse group of friends about what it means to live a generous life, not just on one holiday but every day. (Photo by J D Hancock used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Generosity is Contagious–Spread Some!

“Giving of ourselves is the greatest act of generosity,” says author and blogger Mike Dickson. Click here for an excerpt of Dickson’s work from odewire.com. If you like what you read, visit pleasetakeonestep.com and learn more about Dickson’s book and his challenge to all of us to live a more generous life. The world’s problems… Read more»

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens and Christian Charity

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth. Click here to read more about Dickens’ views on Christian charity and stewardship. (Photo by USM MS used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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The Trouble with Money and Faith

Here’s a conversation from the Alban Institute between Wayne Floyd and John Clark about what it looks like when faith and money start talking to each other. Have you made it easy for folks to talk about money in your congregational setting?  Click here to go to the Alban website. (Photo by Mike Knell used… Read more»

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Ample Harvest Helps You Help Others

Calling all gardeners who have a passion for good food, fighting hunger, and stewardship: here’s a group dedicated to getting your excess food to those who need it most in the local community. Click here to learn more about ampleharvest.org and how you can become involved.  Ample Harvest offers an excellent way to keep excess… Read more»

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Fostering Giving all Year Long

‘Tis the season of gift-giving, but what about the rest of the year? Jeremy Adam Smith offers seven tips to foster giving every day of the year. Imagine how the lives of individuals and congregations might be changed by placing an emphasis on these simple principles. Click here to read Smith’s article on The Daily… Read more»

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Small Acts of Stewardship Add Up

Oliver Zunz, professor of History at University of Virginia, wrote a recent opinion piece for the New York Times about the history of the Christmas Seals program and what we can learn about the power of small gifts in the philanthropic whole. What if the 99% in our congregations alone could harness their stewardship potential?… Read more»

Stepping stones

5 Steps to Creating a Culture of Generosity

Everybody wants their church culture to encourage members to give generously of time, talent and treasure, but very few churches actually are. Transforming your church culture won’t take place by accident. Here are five specific steps to consider.

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The Gift of Time is Good Stewardship

Francine Jay (aka Miss Minimalist) offers some wonderful ideas for giving the gift of yourself and your time, along with a printable “Holiday Gift Exemption Certificate.” Time is a precious gift, and it’s good stewardship, too! (Photo by meloveschallah used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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A Touch of Advent Humor

Ed Spivey Jr., art director and humor columnist for Sojourners, offers “Nine Tips to Help You Survive Advent.” This tongue-in-cheek list will give you a chuckle and illumine the true importance and meaning of this season. (Photo by Paul Holloway used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)