Robert Wuthnow, Andlinger Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion at Princeton University, wrote this article for The Christian Century a decade ago, but his observations and critique of the failure of American churches and synagogues to address issues of faith and money in a substantive and effective way […]
11th Sunday after Pentecost, August 4, 2013
Instead of preaching about greed, how about lifting the abundant life of interdependence and joy that Jesus teaches? Turn this lesson around and celebrate living life with focus, clarity, and purpose–in the moment–with God at the heart of everything. (Photo: Lori Bee, Creative Commons)
Adam Hamilton, pastor and author, reflects on how we are hardwired by God to be generous but fall prey to the voices of fear and self-gratification. Click here for more. Click here to learn about Hamilton’s book Enough. (Photo: Liz West, Creative Commons)
Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 17, 2013
Mary and Judas have a thing or two to teach us about stewardship and trusting in God’s good provision. Which character do you relate to in this strange, short story? (Photo by Wonderlane. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 10, 2013
There’s grace aplenty and a gracious plenty whenever God’s around. Why are we so miserly with all this abundance? This week’s lessons provide much food for thought.
Second Sunday in Lent Lectionary Reflection, February 24, 2013
We live in fearful and uncertain times. Yet we need not fear because as Paul reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven…” We live by faith. Maybe that’s a message folks need to hear today. (Photo by J. Aaron Farr. Thanks!)
Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson have spent the past three years leading a study at the University of Notre Dame entitled “The Science of Generosity Initiative.” Click here to read their findings about the paradoxical benefits of generosity and the sociological science behind them. (Photo: Jason Empey. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2012
What do new clothes and loose tongues have to do with this week’s readings? Read on to find out. You’ll find suggestions for each RCL reading along with ideas for worship and time with youth and children. (Photo by Rigor Mortesque. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
September 16, 2012
This week’s psalm offers the perfect opportunity to talk about living with an attitude of gratitude–a necessary precursor to effective stewardship. (Photo by barbicane used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 5, 2012
How’s the work of cultivating disciples going in your community of faith? Paul has some good words for spiritual gardeners in this week’s epistle lesson, and the gospel reminds us the master gardener’s mentoring that sustains us. (Photo by hans s used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
