Gift-giving doesn’t have to be expensive. Check out this article about hand-made, home-crafted gifts. You can be a good steward of resources AND give meaningful, useful gifts that won’t end up in someone’s sock drawer or garbage can. (Photo: Muffet, Creative Commons)
Here’s a 16-page PDF booklet entitled “Walking as a Way of Life: Movement for Health and Happiness” by Jay Walljasper. Walking is now being touted as a “wonder drug” to promote health and well-being, as well as to treat and prevent a number of health issues. Best of all it costs little to nothing (excellent […]
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A, December 8, 2013
Could this week’s Advent lessons offer an opportunity to talk about how to be a welcoming church and an hospitable people? How can we welcome others as Christ has welcomed us? ‘Tis the season, and we have the best reason! (Photo: sage, Creative Commons)
Joshua Becker provides some telling statistics about holiday shopping and consumption and suggests alternative ways of approaching Christmas gift-giving and celebrating. How might you use this article to open a discussion in your context? (Photo: c_liecht, Creative Commons)
Want a little inspiration? Check out this short video clip about an executive chef who gave up his position to begin serving gourmet meals at the Salvation Army. It’s his calling and his way to serve. This is one video you won’t want to miss. (Photo: foodswings, Creative Commons)
Here’s a documentary film produced by Morgan Spurlock and featuring performance activist Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping that’s perfect for exploring over-consumption at Christmas. Click here to access the full film on YouTube. (Photo: disrupsean, Creative Commons)
The new d0-it-yourself movement is reminding us that we do have alternatives. In addition to being fun, thrifty, and personal, making things yourself is immensely rewarding. Check out this article from MNN with abundant links. You’ll find suggestions for gifts, bread, toys, cosmetics, household cleaners, and much more. (Photo: chatirygirl, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost November 17, 2013 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Doing the right thing can be tough–tough to discern, tough to put into practice, and tough practice consistently. Staying the course and using critical thinking to discern the right […]
Do children have too many toys? Check out this recent BBC news article by Joanne Furniss before you catch the Christmas consumer fever. Share it with parents in your community and host a thoughtful discussion. (Photo: Steve Winton, Creative Commons)
Click here to read an essay adapted from the book Happy Money by Elizabeth W. Dunn, Ph.D. and Michael I. Norton, Ph.D., originally printed in Greater Good. The authors suggest three strategies for boosting generosity. (Photo: Tim Green, Creative Commons)
