Revised Common Lectionary reflection for October 3, 2021.
When it comes to human relationships, nothing is quite as easy as we think it should be. For instance, divorce, which Jesus talks about in this week’s gospel. The issue is likely to be close to many in your congregation. What’s Jesus saying?
Statistics show that overall charitable giving is going up, especially in areas of public benefit and the environment. Yet giving to religious organizations is declining. What are we doing wrong? Author and Yale Divinity teacher Jim Elrod suggests churches adopt greater transparency. (Photo: Claire CJS, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection, Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 8, 2021
What are you doing in your worshiping community to foster a participatory, joyous, and experiential faith? Why does our worship too often seem stuffy and uptight rather than raucous and joyful? This week’s lessons offer some encouragement, ideas, and an opportunity to address the issue.
It’s never too early to get your financial ducks in a row for retirement. And the good news is it’s never too late to continue. This article from Today’s Christian Woman tells you how to prepare for retirement no matter what your age. (Photo: Pug50, Creative Commons)
The Rev. Sharron R. Blezard For the last 15 years, SOLI’s web pages have been graced with the presence of a gifted writer. Sharron Blezard has written hundreds of Lectionary Reflections, but also shared stories of her own musings and experimentation with simple living. SOLI is sad to share the news that Sharron died on […]
Oregon and Washington are blistering under consecutive days of 100-plus-degree heat. Scientists say it’s the latest deadly effect of climate-change. A chilling post by Scientific American. (Photo: Roberto Rizzato, Creative Commons)
We’ve been cooped up in the house all winter and now that spring is here many of us are eager to get out. Harvard Medical School reports that studies reveal many tangible benefits of being outdoors. What are you waiting for? (Photo: Mikko Koponen, Creative Commons)
Where can you find the most generous Christians in the United States, whose Jesus’ followers give an average of 2.5 percent of incomeAnd, generally speaking, who are they, anyway? The answers revealed in this Christianity Today article may just surprise you. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
Get ready, people of earth. Climate change is real, and unless you are prepared you will suffer. That was the lesson from February’s cold snap that paralyzed the energy delivery systems of Texas. The state endured a similar storm in 2010 but failed to take precautions for “next time.” From Time. (Photo: Marco Verch, Creative […]
For this stewardship leader, being asked to give an enormous donation helped her understand the dynamics and importance of what development professionals call, “making the ask.” From the Lake Institute for Faith & Giving. ( Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels)
