Do children have too many toys? Check out this recent BBC news article by Joanne Furniss before you catch the Christmas consumer fever. Share it with parents in your community and host a thoughtful discussion. (Photo: Steve Winton, Creative Commons)
Thanksgiving Day Resources for Worship
A whole day devoted to giving thanks? Sounds like the perfect occasion for a special worship service. Here are some resources to get you started. (Photo by Blacklord, used under Creative Commons license.
Teach Kids About Saving, Sharing, Spending
Though our children are saturated in our consumer culture, the US Department of Education reports that only 42 percent of 12th graders are skilled in basic economics. It’s never too early to start teaching our kids about the responsible use of money. This article from Thrivent magazine has some great ideas. (Photo by Richard Wagoner, […]
Visualizing the Need for Sabbath
Not only is Sabbath a commandment, it’s good for our health, relationships, economy, and environment. Unfortunately, the notion of Sabbath is often a countercultural one. Here’s a series of infographics that may help you communicate tangible benefits of Sabbath-keeping. (Photo: hiyori13, Creative Commons)
Simplicity: A Better Normal?
Some may say simplicity is becoming the new normal–the way we must live to ensure a future for those who will come after us and for our entire planet. Another way to look at simplicity is as a “better” normal, as a way to sustain health, well-being, and community. Click here to Read Duane Elgin’s […]
Layaway Stewardship for Advent
Already we’re seeing signs of Christmas in the marketplace–and it’s only mid-October. Here’s an idea you can start now as an alternative to the commercial hype. Click here for the details! (Photo: Fan of Retail, Creative Commons)
Mindful Spending?
Here’s an article from the Chicago Tribune about the importance of spending mindfully. Gregory Karp interviews Wendy Philleo about ways to self-audit one’s consumption and spending habits. (Photo: Mikey Jones, Creative Commons)
Enough is Enough
When is enough, well, enough? Rob Dietz and Dan O’Neill have some definite ideas and suggestions. Check out this essay adapted for the New Dream Blog from their book Enough is Enough. It squares well with scriptural guidance and would make a good basis for topical study. (Photo: jakerome, Creative Commons)
Where to Touch the Elephant
You remember the old story about the blind men who, each touching a different part of an elephant, draw different, incorrect conclusions about the nature of an elephant. The point is, the complexity of the elephant precludes anyone comprehending the whole. How can this observation apply to congregations? Church systems expert Peter Steinke explains. (Photo […]
Peter Buffett: We’re Not Doing Enough
Instead of working to provide solutions to the root causes of problems, much of philanthropy focuses on making donors feel good and perpetuating the work of charitable institutions. That’s the judgment of Peter Buffett, son of billionaire Warren Buffett and chair of the NoVo Foundation. He explains in this provocative interview by Allison Jones. (Artwork: Rosie the Riveter, public domain)
