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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»

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Life, Meaning, & Money

According to philosopher Jacob Needleman, understanding one’s relationship to money is key to discovering meaning and purpose in one’s life. Click here to read Jurriaan Kamp’s interview with Needleman from odewire. (Photo by used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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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»

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Giving That is Blessed, Indeed!

“IT’S PERSONAL” BLOG
What did Jesus mean when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”? Is all giving covered? Paul, who quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35, gives us some important hits in the context. (“In Paris Texas” photo, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

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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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Shopping Alert List

You’ve probably heard of blood diamonds, but here’s a list from Foreign Policy online of other items you’ll want to avoid this season. Part of good stewardship is making sure that others are not exploited. Click here to read the list of “killer products.” (Photo by paceofthepeople used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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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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Where to Donate Your Stuff

Francine Jay of the Miss Minimalist blog offers a handy list of 101 places to donate items you no longer use or need. Of course, donating items close to home is always best, but most importantly, don’t let stuff others can use and appreciate clutter your life and home. ‘Tis always good to give and… Read more»

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Stewardship “Bieber-Style”

Young pop sensation Justin Bieber is much more than bubblegum and grins. Click here to read a chapter from Cathleen Falsani’s new book, BELIEBER!, and learn how one 17-year-old is living out his faith in words, song, AND action. (Photo by Snow Mojito used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)