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.
Even with recycling efforts over the last two decades, one in three children globally suffers from lead poisoning, according to a recent report from Unicef and the NGO Pure Earth. Safe recycling of used batteries is imperative to lower this number and keep soil and bodies from poisoning. (Image: John Seb Barber, Creative Commons License)
You can’t pay all the volunteer leaders in your church for the work they put into your congregation, and you can’t possibly run the church without them. But there are some really terrific ways to reward your folks that won’t tax your budget at all, Carey Nieuwhof explains. (Photo: ThinkPanama, Creative Commons)
Dementia affects some 50 million people every year, and the number is expected to triple in the next 30 years, according to the World Health Organization, which has issued guidance to help prevent dementia. This article in Prevention summarizes the WHO’s guidance and provides helpful links. (Photo: oddharmonic , Creative Commons)
As the pandemic drags on, leaders ask, “How in the world are we supposed to do a stewardship emphasis when we can hardly gather in-person for worship?” Every congregation has its own priorities, but ELCA pastor and author Charles Lane, offers three things to consider. (Photo: Jerrybuckel, Creative Commons)
Pope Francis has followed up “Laudato Si,” his landmark 2015 encyclical on the environment, with practical steps for achieving sustainability. Called “Journey for the Care of the Common Home,” the document provides guidance God’s people concerned about creation, Religion News Service reports. (Photo: Aleteia Image Department, Creative Commons)
What are the stewardship practices that work in a crisis? They’re the same ones that work in good times, says Bishop Greg Rickel of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, Wash. His illuminating PowerPoint presentation provides excellent insight for stewardship leaders in times good or bad. (Photo: Winston Heath, Creative Commons )
For clarifying our thoughts and priorities, there’s nothing like a crisis. And Covid-19 is a biggie. August’s “Stewardship Toolkit” explores how we can learn the lessons to steward our church for the future. It has a newsletter article, Sunday bulletin “snippets” and resource links. (Photo: Michael Coghlan, Creative Commons)
Sheltering in place? Isolated from friends? Can’t find toilet paper or other essentials at the store? This pandemic is having quite an impact on everyone, but it’s also challenging us to live more faithfully, writes Mike Little, head of Faith & Money Network. (Photo: AJC1, Creative Commons )
