Equip the saints of your church with a daily Advent devotional: “Generosity in Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.” Produced by the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the ELCA, the free, downloadable booklet offers ways to explore, serve and pray over Scripture passages. Organized by weekly Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love.
How can churches help a new generation of givers skeptical of institutional allegiances embrace the practice of pledging? It’s critical to frame the conversation around spiritual rather than institutional needs. Ann A. Michel of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership makes the case for pledging as a vital spiritual discipline that helps us grow in […]
“It’s the thought that counts.” That’s what we SAY about gift-giving, but then we focus on the gift itself, often tearing our hair out to find the “perfect” gift for someone who already has everything they need and want. The December Toolkit explores putting real thought behind gift-giving. (Photo: Neil T, Creative Commons)
We all want a cleaner planet, but what can I do as an individual? Lutherans Restoring Creation suggests a personal covenant, and its online template and resources can give you direction. (Photo: Portland Seminary, Creative Commons)
The holiday season is upon us, and that means lots of parties, get-togethers and and occasions for indulging in delicious foods. It’s easy to overdo it, but keeping some simple principles in mind can help. From the federal Centers for Disease Control.
At too many churches, the offering part of the service is the same as it was when grandma was a confirmand. But rather than cease the offering entirely, reboot it freshness and creativity to meet the needs and habits of a new generation. Grace Duddy Pomroy of Luther Seminary explains. (Photo:Don Brown, Creative Commons)
We don’t make God richer when we tithe. Rather, it’s we who become richer because our generous giving in the name of God frees us from the negative influence that money has on our lives. This Bible study from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod helps you explore. (Photo: Tax Credits, Creative Commons)
If you’re looking for good, free stewardship resources for your congregation, the Giving 365 site offered by Horizons Stewardship is a great go-to place. Create a free account login and you’ll have access to a wide variety of quality materials with no obligation. (Photo: Kodomut, Creative Commons)
The pandemic has stressed everybody out and caused depression rates to triple, according to a Boston University study. Church leaders can help by learning about depression and talking about it in their faith communities. This article from Crosswalk explains. (Photo: anna shvets pexels.com)
Saving our planet means we have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that means cutting our fossil fuel us. Your church can lead the way. EnergyStar, a program of the federal Department of Energy can show your congregation how.
