congregation – Page 4

A Discipleship Elevator Speech?

January 9, 2014 By Sharron R. Blezard

Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of our Lord Year A
January 12, 2013
Yes, today we remember Jesus’ baptism and our own, but don’t stop there. We have work to do, and a story to tell. (Photo: bterrycompton, Creative Commons)

Conversation as Change Agent

January 8, 2014 By Sharron R. Blezard

“Real change begins with the simple act of people talking to one another about what they care about,” says Margaret Wheatley. Follow this link to discover how conversation can be a catalyst for change in your context. (Photo: dearbarbie, Creative Commons)

Expecting the Unexpected

November 27, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday of Advent, Year A December 1, 2013 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. — Matthew 24:44 What do you expect of this season? What does Advent mean to you? Is it a time of waiting and watching for glimpses of […]

Giving Thanks and & Getting Ready

November 24, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Check out this latest edition of the ECF Vital Posts e-newsletter. It’s chock-full of good ideas and thoughtful reflections to help you move from Thanksgiving into Advent. (Photo: lejoe, Creative Commons)

A Recipe for Community

October 15, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Some of these “ingredients” may seem like “no-brainers” to you, but author Linda Buzzell does an excellent job of outlining a strategy for community building that is applicable to faith communities and non-profits. (Photo: NAIT, Creative Commons)

Beyond the Blind Spot

July 10, 2013 By C. Otto Scharmer

Stewardship program in a slump? Congregational enthusiasm flagging? Leaders feeling tired and battle-weary? If so, click here to read C. Otto Scharmer’s article on uncovering the blind spot(s) in leadership. While not aimed at faith communities, the principles are readily applied to congregational settings. (Photo: Nimish Gogri, Creative Commons)

The Abundant Joy of Inter-dependence

July 4, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Lectionary Reflection for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 7, 2013
This is a Sunday to celebrate all the good things God has done, including knitting together the Body of Christ in an interdependent way that enables us to do far more than we could ever do alone. (Photo: )

Now!

June 24, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C, June 30,2013

How often do we take a ministry or mission project or initiative through committee and council, only to have it stalled or tabled for further discussion? How often have you heard the words “We tried that 10 years ago, and it didn’t work then.” The world needs good news, and it needs it now! This week challenge one another to put aside any “buts” and get moving in mission and ministry. (Photo: bertknot, Creative Commons )

In Good Company: Peace, Love, & Hope

May 21, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Holy Trinity Sunday Lectionary Reflection, May 26, 2013
Instead of trying to use logic and reason to explain the concept of the Trinity, why not celebrate the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the amazing “hope that does not disappoint.” An extra helping of hope may be just what worshipers need to keep walking as disciples in this weary world.

Doubt, Belief, and Life in Jesus’ Name

April 4, 2013 By Sharron R. Blezard

Second Sunday of Easter Lectionary Reflection, April 7, 2013
What do doubt, belief, and life in the name of Christ have in common? A lot! This Sunday’s gospel reading offers rich material to consider why it matters that we continue to gather, to tell the stories of faith, and to encounter Jesus. (Photo by Christine Matthews. Thanks!)