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 […]
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
September 1, 2013
Showing up, sitting down, and sharing our abundant blessings is the kind of banquet Jesus is talking about. Every place is a place of honor in God’s economy, and the “grace list” includes all of us. That’s good news indeed! (Photo: Elin B., Creative Commons)
Want to be happier? Exercise. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete or spend hours in the gym. Twenty minutes is enough to trigger the responses in the brain that lead to a better outlook on life. Now that’s good stewardship! (Photo: Stefan Insam, Creative Commons)
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)
Lectionary Reflection for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, July 28, 2013
Today’s lessons offer wisdom for those too timid or troubled or tired of praying. Jesus tells us to ask, and Paul reminds us that we have received. How can we help equip our communities to be confident in prayer, deepening the roots of faith, and bearing fruit abundantly? Read on! (Photo: Leland Francisco, Creative Commons)
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, July 21, 2013
Just how distracted are you? This week’s gospel lesson reminds us to be more mindful of what really matters. Read on…and focus on the one thing. (Photo by Ally Mauro, used by Creative Commons License)
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
July 14, 2013
Loving your neighbor can be messy business, but it’s what Jesus calls us to do. How will you send the community out to “go and do likewise”? (Photo: Frame It Photography)
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C, June 30,2013
How often do we take a ministry or mission project or initiative through committee and council, only to have it stalled or tabled for further discussion? How often have you heard the words “We tried that 10 years ago, and it didn’t work then.” The world needs good news, and it needs it now! This week challenge one another to put aside any “buts” and get moving in mission and ministry. (Photo: bertknot, Creative Commons )
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Reflection, June 23, 2013
What similarities do we share with the demoniac of this week’s gospel lesson? How are we like the citizens of that town? Do we ever resist healing? Read on for more thoughts about this week’s lessons. (Photo: Nina Matthews Photography, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, June 2, 2013
We can learn a lot from Jesus’ encounter with the Roman centurion. Yes, this is a story about healing, but it is also a stewardship opportunity. We are sufficient in Christ, and in the Body of Christ we live lives of abundant sufficiency. Read on for ideas for preaching, worship, and time with children and youth.
