RCL Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 29, 2020
We have our wonderfully rich text this Lenten season, Year A, but church continues to look quite different this year thanks to COVID-19. Check out our ideas for digital connections, preaching, teaching, stewardship, and time with children and youth. Thank you for your faithful ministry! (Photo: panache2620, Creative Commons)
Sure, there’s a virus that’s turning life (and church) upside down. But that’s no excuse to stop teaching about generosity and stewardship. Joe Park of of Horizons Stewardship gives some excellent advice and some easy-to-communicate reasons. Check it out! (Photo: Stuart Pilbrow, Creative Commons)
The COVID-19 crises spells financial trouble for many congregations that are suspending group worship and activities. It’s too often the case that people give ONLY when they are physically present in church. There are, however, steps congregational leaders can take to maintain robust ministry and keep donations flowing. (Photo: AJC1, Creative Commons)
Ministry is hard under any circumstances, but the current emergency is ramping up stress, big time. These 10 guidelines for pastoral care, published in Christian Century this month, offer sound advice to vocational church workers. Pay particular attention to #10. Please take care of you, too! (Photo: © Christy Thompson – Fotolia.com)
Members of faith communities are already feeling the financial pinch from the disruptions caused by responses to COVID-19. Providing access to resources that outline where and how to get help and offering safe digital space to talk can help lessen anxiety and fears. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a great place to start. (Photo: Kat, Creative Commons)
Some Christians may adopt a vegan diet during Lent as a spiritual discipline, but given the environmental harm posed by a meat-based diet, permanently fasting from food made from animals could be a way to care for God’s creation. Healthy for the body AND healthy for the planet! Excellent analysis and links from Christianity Today.
We still want to be good stewards of our health even as we practice physical and social distancing. How much is enough exercise right now? What is safe? How much is too much? These two sports scientists have answers and suggestions for you. (Photo: Fit Approach, Creative Commons)
