Browsing

6049973495_b97aec7ee6

Life beyond the Usual

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2011

If anything is possible with God, why do we have such a hard time believing it and embodying God to our world? (Photo by NASA used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

330281911_8250eb01b1

Advent: Making Time for God

The season of Advent is meant for preparation and contemplation, but the world often sucks us into a mad rush of consumption and entertainment leaving God the most meager of our leftovers. Click here to read Kari Wyatt Kent’s thoughts on saying “yes” to God and “no” to all that would distract us from the… Read more»

3143885115_6435ea3db4

Advent Devotions for Youth and Young Adults

It’s not too late to participate in Advent daily devotions. Click here to access an online version designed for youth and young adults (and the young at heart!) called “Following the Star.” This fine resource is produced by d365.org and is part of Passport, Inc., an ecumenical cooperative ministry. (Photo by paral_lax used under Creative… Read more»

858454965_16ea072d03

Time for a Clean Sweep

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2011 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Mark 1:1 Advent is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.   — Thomas Merton My theory about major house cleaning works like this: if… Read more»

6418611419_1a4d897efa

Advent Daily Online

Here’s an online Advent Experience Calendar from Loyola Press. You can even link it to your congregation’s website or blog. Click here to access this wonderful resource. (Photo by roger4336 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks.)

5214684661_83fd8e507c

Occupy Advent

Looking for ways to make sure that Advent isn’t overlooked in the mad dash for Christmas? Click here to visit the Occupy Advent Blog, where the stated purpose is “Reclaiming the holy season of waiting and watching for the Lord. Slow down. Simplify.” You’ll find plenty of good ideas, material to ponder, and ways to… Read more»

3949856872_98e0f30529

Advent: A Time for Re-Forming

Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday in Advent, Year B
November 27, 2011

This Sunday’s lessons offer many options for fresh approaches to Advent. Now is the time to invite people into a spiritual season of re-formation, contemplation, readiness, and action. (Photo by BLW Photography used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

508302228_ae37586ce9_z

Congregational Discernment and Stewardship

The spiritual practice of discernment may be a useful tool for congregations when it comes to matters of stewardship of money. Check out this article by spiritual director Teresa Blythe on the Patheos website. (Photo by hickory hardscrabble used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

2300386613_be9971929f

The Mathematics of Manumission = Freedom in Forgiveness

Who benefits from forgiveness—the one forgiven or the one who forgives? Considering this question leads to some important answers, strange mathematics, and hard work. Are you ready? (Photo by FeatheredTar used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

2051646774_97f6b06514

Prayer as Priority

Everything we do as disciples should begin with prayer; that is simply good stewardship and an important spiritual discipline. Here’s a fine short article from Christine Sine (from the Sojourners website) that would make a good devotional or starting point for your stewardship committee. Photo by Randy OHC used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!