Resources for Lent

Ash Wednesday is Feb. 17, and that marks the beginning of the church season of Lent, the traditional time for introspection, discipline and devotion. Here are some great free online resources you can use to help your congregation grow in faith this Lent.

Praying Lent 2010

Here is a wonderful trove of materials – everything from audio files to background pieces, from daily devotions to reflections. From Creighton University, a Jesuit Catholic institution.

Tread Lightly for Lent

Here is a Lenten calendar listing one simple thing you can do every day to learn and practice saving energy and caring for our environment. From the Presbyterian Church USA.

Stewardship as a Lenten Discipline

Become aware of better stewardship of your time, talent and possessions this Lent. On this page you'll find some really good ideas. From the United Church of Canada.

From the Mount of Transfiguration to Mount Calvary and Walking with Jesus

These two devotionals are available for download and printing through Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Bible Study: Stewardship — Kingdom, Mission & Money

Strengthen your congregation's stewardship education with Bible studies! Here is a two-part lesson dealing with key concepts arising in the lives of North American Christians. Both parts include a participant guide and leader guide. Click here (then scroll down!) for "Stewardship – Kingdom, Mission & Money," from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City.

The Narrative Budget: Telling Your Congregation's Stewardship Story

Traditional line-item budgets are good for planning and tracking your congregation's expenses. For the average parishioner, however, they often lead to glazed-over eyes and wide-mouthed yawns. Consider developing a narrative budget that tells a story and excites people about putting their time and talents to use in service of the church's mission. Click here to learn more about narrative budgeting. Included are sample letters and brochures for you to download and modify, courtesy of the Presbytery of North Central Iowa.

Asset-Based Thinking Goes to Work: Funding God's Mission in Rubbery Times

It's a tough time for churches. The economic downturn has more people turning to the church for help at the same time the church is getting less for ministry. This article by stewardship expert Bob Sitze explores how an asset-based approach can help sustain and renew your church. Click here for "Asset-Based Thinking," in the monthly publication by "RevWriter" Sue Lang.

Ban the Bag, Save the Turtles (and, oh yeah, the earth)

Those pesky plastic shopping bags — who needs 'em? Not when you can get a really nice reusable canvas beg for 99 cents at the supermarket checkout. Reusable bags have transformed my shopping habits, but not in the way you'd expect. Click here for "Ban the Bag, Save the Turtles," by Rob Blezard, SOLI editor, and posted in last week's edition of SOLI/Update, our free online newsletter. Click here to read other archived columns. Click here to subscribe.

Stewardship from the Lectionary

From ELCA Stewardship Resources. Looking for a way to put more stewardship into your preaching? Here is a great help—a weekly commentary that highlights stewardship aspects in the weekly lectionary texts.