Going without enough sleep is risky. Sleep is essential to every process in the body, affecting our physical and mental functioning the next day, our ability to fight disease and develop immunity, and our metabolism and chronic disease risk, says the University of Michigan School of Public Health. (Photo: Meagan, Creative Commons)
Some churches are so close-lipped about money that members may suspect that subject is taboo. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership shares ideas on how to have productive conversation about money and giving. (Photo: Daniel Dionne, Creative Commons)
New Year’s Resolutions offer a great opportunity to set new goals and start new ventures. But this year, rebrand them as stewardship resolutions. After all, Christian stewardship starts with the premise that we actually own nothing because God owns it all. (Photo: Erephas, Creative Commons)
Paul urged his readers to make giving a natural and regular part of their Christian walk. He saw it as a way for believers to care for each other and to stay unified in purpose. Here, from Crosswalk.com, are five lessons for your consideration.
As established patterns of giving have eroded in our congregations in recent years, giving has become much less reliable. Church leaders need to be aware of the changes and take proactive steps to counter them. Good advice from Horizons Stewardship.
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for October 3, 2021.
When it comes to human relationships, nothing is quite as easy as we think it should be. For instance, divorce, which Jesus talks about in this week’s gospel. The issue is likely to be close to many in your congregation. What’s Jesus saying?
Statistics show that overall charitable giving is going up, especially in areas of public benefit and the environment. Yet giving to religious organizations is declining. What are we doing wrong? Author and Yale Divinity teacher Jim Elrod suggests churches adopt greater transparency. (Photo: Claire CJS, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection, Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 8, 2021
What are you doing in your worshiping community to foster a participatory, joyous, and experiential faith? Why does our worship too often seem stuffy and uptight rather than raucous and joyful? This week’s lessons offer some encouragement, ideas, and an opportunity to address the issue.
It’s never too early to get your financial ducks in a row for retirement. And the good news is it’s never too late to continue. This article from Today’s Christian Woman tells you how to prepare for retirement no matter what your age. (Photo: Pug50, Creative Commons)
The Rev. Sharron R. Blezard For the last 15 years, SOLI’s web pages have been graced with the presence of a gifted writer. Sharron Blezard has written hundreds of Lectionary Reflections, but also shared stories of her own musings and experimentation with simple living. SOLI is sad to share the news that Sharron died on […]
Embracing stewardship through discipleship
The Stewardship of Life Institute (SOLI) is based at the Gettysburg, PA Campus of United Lutheran Seminary. Our mission is to serve stewardship in the ELCA through its seminaries.
