Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
June 27, 2021
This week’s epistle lesson offers an excellent chance to talk about stewardship and generosity. After all, every sermon should be a stewardship sermon. Read on for ideas for preaching and teaching, worship, and time with youth and children.
Among the character traits that any good disciple should exhibit, generosity ranks pretty high. Not surprisingly, the Bible has a lot to say about the benefits of developing a heart that is inclined to share, to give and to love. Check out these four short devotionals on generosity, from biblelessonstuff.com. (Photo: Alvanman, Creative Commons)
We want God’s people to be generous hearted and give to God’s ministry — not just money, but their hearts and minds as well. But how can we help people to become more generous-hearted? Chris Willard this issue in an insightful three-part resource in LeaderNet. (Photo: Gayle Nicholson, Creative Commons)
Generosity names not merely something we do but also an admirable quality of character, something we are. Undergirding the character of truly generous people is a special awareness of themselves, others, and God’s gracious provision for the world. From Baylor University’s Institute for Faith and Learning. (Photo © laurent hamels – Fotolia.com)
“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” Jesus is quoted as saying in Acts 20:35, but why is that? There is tremendous power in the act of giving. Peter Marty explores this issue in The Christian Century. (Photo: Irish, Creative Commons)
“We need to create opportunities to give that enable us to appreciate our shared humanity,” says social psychologist Elizabeth Dunn. Research shows that giving to others does make us happier, but it matters how we help. Learn more by watching Dunn’s TED Talk and reimagine how you, too, can be a more joyful giver. (Photo: Kregg Steppe, Creative Commons)
Free and available to support any congregation’s ongoing education efforts, in every monthly “Stewardship Toolbox” you’ll find “cut and paste” RCL-based bulletin blurbs, a newsletter article and links to great resources. June’s Toolbox offers suggestions for developing a heart of generosity. From SOLI web editor Rob Blezard. (Photo © Les Cunliffe – Fotolia.com)
Author and Christian Education Director Heather High-Kennedy ponders the importance of teaching children and youth to be generous without the fanfare and hashtags of social media. “Children and youth today are growing up without a way to envision the concept of Matthew 6:1,” she said. (Photo: Carolyn Clement, Social Media Sunday)
Courtney Martin offers seven standards donors may wish to consider when making year-end charitable gifts. Although not directed toward churches, how would your congregation’s mission and ministries stand up to these tests? What are your standards as a donor? (Photo: © genotar1 – Fotolia.com)
Want to increase your congregation’s capacity for generosity? Start with these six practices, and start right now. Don’t let fear or lack of experience get in the way of helping your community grow and flourish as radical stewards! From UNSeminary.com. (Photo: Irish, Creative Commons)
