The global pandemic has caused plenty of stress in our churches, and not the least of these is a downturn in giving. Instead of fretting, church leaders should get busy, says consultant Margaret Marcuson, in this essay from Luther Seminary. (Photo: Images of Money, Creative Commons)
Some provisions of the 2020 CARES Act have been extended or modified for 2021, with significant implications for churches and other nonprofits that rely on philanthropy. This handy resource lists some of the most important provisions and provides links for those who want to get more detailed information. From the ELCA Foundation.
The Stewardship of Life Institute is suspending its Stewardship Education Grant Program for at least the Spring 2021 granting cycle. The Board of Directors agreed to the suspension to provide a time both to evaluate the continuing effectiveness of the grants and to explore other ways of fulfilling SOLI’s mission to promote stewardship education in […]
“Gratitude is a miracle-creating attitude. It has the power to transform seemingly unsolvable situations,” writes Rick Warren. Moreover, it’s a key to becoming a good steward of God’s abundance. In this article from pastors.com Warren lists the steps to developing an “attitude of gratitude” that you can learn and teach others. (Photo: Tiger Girl, Creative […]
Your church may have more resources than you think! In this podcast crom the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Jacqueline Jones-Smith explains how Christ Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, once slated for closure, turned itself around by embracing a more entrepreneurial mindset and taking stock of its physical and human assets.
The US food system should be providing healthy, sustainably produced food for all. Instead, it’s damaging our health, our land and water, our communities, and farmers and food workers themselves. We can do better, says this package of reporting from the Union of Concerned Scientists. (Photo: Andrew Stawarz, Creative Commons)
Though poverty is a real affliction for those who do not earn a living wage, many families with decent incomes experience chronic financial trouble because they don’t know how to manage their money. Dave Sanford suggests some strategies that can help couples get a handle on their money. (Photo: Anssi Koskinen, Creative Commons)
A new research study reveals that people who have a positive outlook are not only cheerful, and enthusiastic, but also are less likely to develop cognitive decline. Age-related memory loss will happen, but one’s outlook on life can make a big difference. What might be the connection between a vigorous faith life and positive outlook? […]
Here is your free March 2021 “Stewardship Toolkit,” with an original newsletter article, RCL-based Sunday-bulletin “Snippets” and resources to explore the theme. For Lent we urge God’s people to help their neighbors who are suffering because of the pandemic. (Photo: Tiffany Whitehead, Creative Commons)
THE COVID-19 Pandemic has changed church as we know it, including how we approach church finance and giving. The United Methodist Church offers 10 practical ideas for church financial leaders to consider and adapt for use in their contexts. (Image: “Offering plates glow,” Don Brown, Creative Commons License)
