Earning just 24 cents per hour as incarcerated persons, a group of inmates saved their money to provide Christmas baskets for less fortunate inmates. We can learn much from their generosity and embodiment of a pure spirit of Christmas.
Advent Conspiracy, for a more meaningful Christmas
Is there a better way to observe the coming of God into the world than engaging in an orgy of shopping and partying? Advent Conspiracy thinks so. It’s a movement to recapture meaning and purpose in the season run amok by consumerism. Check out their free resources.
Remember the $600 charitable deduction
For 2021 the IRS is allowing charitable deductions of up to $600 for taxpayers who take the standard deduction when filing taxes. Ordinarily standard-deduction filers cannot claim a charitable deduction. The IRS explains. (Photo: 401(k) 2013, Creative Commons)
Five big takeaways from the Glasgow climate summit
After two weeks of intense deliberations in Glasgow, Scotland, diplomats from nearly 200 countries reached a deal to work together to stave off the worst effects of climate change for current and future generations. The Washington Post gives a helpful summary.
The truth about holiday alcohol consumption
Many of us look forward to celebrations during the holidays, yet it is also a time when some people are more likely to drink beyond their limits than at other times of the year. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers tips to help you stay safe. (Photo: Kimery Davis, Creative Commons)
Four ways to end the year on a financial high
Most church leaders know that year-end offerings account for an outsize portion of church income. With planning and strategizing, your congregation can make the most of the year end offering boom. From Church Law & Tax. (Photo: Steve Jurvetson, Creative Commons)
Devotional focuses on Advent generosity
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.
Why pledging still matters
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 […]
December Toolkit looks at Christmas gifts
“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)
Make your personal covenant with creation
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)
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