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Rise of the Electronic Offering Plate
No cash when the plate is passed? More churches are offering electronic giving options to members in an effort to keep up with a changing world of finance and commerce. Click here to read Shannon Mullen’s article from marketplace.org. (Photo by PT Money. Thanks!)
Financial Advice for Millennials
A recent Marketplace report casts a sobering light on the financial situation of many Millennials. Click here to check out Trent Hamm’s thoughts on how to avoid being saddled with debt for a lifetime. Managing personal finances is an important first step to a life of good stewardship. (Photo by Stockmonkeys.com. Thanks!)
Host a Final Affairs Fair
Check out how one St. Philip’s Cathedral (ECUSA) in Atlanta, educated its members about wills, planned gifts, and getting one’s final affairs in order–in a lighthearted and informative format. Click here to learn more. (Photo by Ken_Mayer. Thanks!)
Do We Give Less than We Think We Do?
Click here to read “The Flesh is Weak: Churchgoers Give Far Less than they Think,” an article by David Briggs published in the Huffington Post. It would appear from what Briggs reports that many people of faith are deluding themselves about how generous they actually are when the figures are totaled. (Photo by Cea. Thanks!)
The Generosity Paradox
Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson have spent the past three years leading a study at the University of Notre Dame entitled “The Science of Generosity Initiative.” Click here to read their findings about the paradoxical benefits of generosity and the sociological science behind them. (Photo: Jason Empey. Thanks!)
Whose Money is it, Anyway?
Most of us have an upside-down view of money: That money we have is ours, and God’s money is what we put in the collection basket. But God has a different view. As Lord and King, he owns everything—including the money we call our own. We need to manage money according to God’s plan.
Wisdom for Difficult Times
Even the Trappist monks at the Abbey of the Genesee are feeling the effects of our present economic woes. Their take on the situation is considerably different, as Matt Nannery reports in a recent article in America. We can learn much from the monastic lifestyle to help us move forward as stewards in a new/old… Read more»
Own Less, Share More, Have More
Here’s a great stewardship idea for a new year: seven ways to have more by owning less. Maria Popova presents seven sharing resources and one book to help foster ideas for a sharing economy. How might your own faith community reach out through resource access and sharing? It’s something to consider in 2013. (Photo by… Read more»
Can Money Buy Happiness?
At this time of year when spending increases, it is worth asking whether money can buy happiness. Harvard Professor Michael I. Norton says money can indeed buy happiness, but it all depends on how you spend it. Click here to watch his TEDx talk or here to view his bio. (Photo by jm3. Thanks!)
Consider the Gifts You Give
Check out this short video and transcript from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly and PBS! You’ll find good ideas for alternative gifts and support for refocusing Christmas toward the joy of the incarnation. (Photo by Equal Exchange and First UU Church. Thanks!)
