Are you an undercover lover?
LECTIONARY REFLECTION FOR MAY 2, 2010
It’s easy to be a concealed Christian, an undercover lover, loving in ways that are comfortable for you and for me. It’s easy to sing the old hymn “I love to tell the Story” when everyone else knows the story and lukewarm is the temperature of the day. Jesus asks—no commands—more of his disciples.
So Tell Me, Do You Love Jesus?
In this week’s assigned Gospel reading, Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. Jesus’s responses to Peter’s affirmations tell a lot about the path of discipleship Jesus asks us to walk.
Re-Timing the Annual Appeal
I suspect some members of your Stewardship Committees or Team are asking themselves, “Well, what are we going to do this year? Let’s see . . .last year we had a Consecration Sunday, and the year before that we did Pony Express. So how are we going to make budget this year? And whatever you… Read more»
So Tell Me, Do You Love Jesus?
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”… Read more»
You Get What You Pay For – Sometimes More!
Your first idea for replacing a washer and dryer may be that high-end appliance store. But that’s only the first step on a journey to making purchase with economy, simplicity and justice, as SOLI editor and columnist Sharron R. Lucas found out.
Dawn of the Resurrected Dead
Why think of a 1970s horror film at Easter? We need to take a close look at how we script this story, especially for those who haven’t experienced the radical love and grace of our amazing God.
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Simplicity Itself
“At this moment in history, the world God loves is groaning under the weight of injustice and slowly being robbed of its capacity to sustain life. All around you, the people God loves are increasingly burdened by lifestyles they can’t keep up for very much longer. You and your congregation are called to help turn that around.”
Celebrate Earth Day at 40!
It’s an old idea – celebrate and bless the planting season – that you can give a new twist: Creation Awareness. And there’s no better time than the Sunday before or after Earth Day, April 22. This year Earth Day turns 40 (they grow up so fast!). All this month we will showcase items to help you plan meaningful worship. Visit the Earth Day Network for general resources and links. (more…)
Family Stewardship Calendar
Does good stewardship begin at home? Why not? Here’s a handy three-page resource from Church of the Nazarene that provides a handy guide to emphasizing stewardship in your family 12 months a year. For every month there are Bible verses and ideas for exploring stewardship of money, time and talent, and environment. The calendar is very eye-catching. Print it out and post it on your fridge.
Tithing – UCC Style
“We live in a world that offers many ‘helps’ to get our lives in order,” writes Kate Huey, in this fine essay, “but I am convinced that these supports fall far short of the power of the gospel to transform our lives.” She has some fine observations on the spiritual discipline of generosity from the United Church of Christ Stewardship and Church Finances.
Take a Beauty Break
When you’re tired, stressed or just unfocused, take a “beauty break.” What the heck? It’s a great idea that Alban Institute writer Claudia Greer discusses in her column, “Friday Perspective.” She gives you three handy ideas for getting started.
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The Hows and Whys of Money Leadership
Here’s a free, seven-part curriculum for leaders who want to plumb the depths of their congregation’s financial soul.
Make it Simple
Every church needs a little help in the current economic downturn. Here’s a free online comprehensive stewardship planning resource from the ELCA.
ELCA Financial Coaching Program
Get support from the ELCA’s own financial coaching program. Coaches can help you figure out a sound strategy to keep yourself in the black.Get support from the ELCA’s own financial coaching program. Coaches can help you figure out a sound strategy to keep yourself in the black.Get support from the ELCA’s own financial coaching program. Coaches can help you figure out a sound strategy to keep yourself in the black.Get support from the ELCA’s own financial coaching program. Coaches can help you figure out a sound strategy to keep yourself in the black.
The Weekly Joke
Come get your weekly dose of Holy Humor from the Stewardship of Life Institute’s own joke archive.