Fish this well-stocked pool for books, videos, articles,
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publisher to use.
The Necessity of Mentors
An article especially for new pastors to have a good pastoral mentor.
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 Article 
Author: The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon has been a Bishop of The United Methodist Church in North Alabama since 2004.
Posted: 11/19/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Will Willamon
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Pastoral Leadership in Stewardship
A Core Practice: Transparency with self and others regarding their relationship with money.
The following article summarizes a study of a Methodist Conference regarding the relationship between pastoral leadership and apportionment giving in a congregation.
This study illustrates that pastoral leadership is the key factor.
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Article 
Author: Bishop Will Willimon of the northalabamaumc.org [North Alabama Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church]
Posted: 11/19/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© wwillimon@northalabamaumc.org [ Bishop Will Willimon ]
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Money and Mission
Core Leadership Skill:Motivate a faith community's stewardship journey through mission interpretation and gratitude for partnership.
The one absolutely most important factor in why people give is mission: People want to make the world a better place to live. They want to believe that they can truly make a difference for the better. There is embedded in us, it seems, a desire to finish out our work on this earth with a sense that we amounted to something. To sum it up, people want to be a part of something that changes lives.
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Article
Author: Bishop Will Willimon of the North Alabama Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
Posted: 11/19/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Bishop Will Willimon
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Giving From the Hand of God
God has big hands and generosity flows from those hands. They run over with abundant gifts for all people - no holding back, no sense of scarcity, no fear of giving too much, even the willingness to give to us the gift of Jesus. So when we give we do it with great joy and generosity because there is always more where that came from, in the hand of God.
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Article
Author: Gary Langness is an ELCA Pastor.
Posted: 11/17/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary L. Langness
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust
Conclusion
My main concern is justice oriented. If we are to eventually redirect it toward a new ethic on wealth accumulation, we need to understand how American religion, at least partially, became a tool for defending social norms that allow excessive wealth and grinding poverty to co-exist
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust: Preface
The writer gives a personal story of his stewardship journey.
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar In Which God Do We Trust: Introduction
Messages about wealth received in church, if any are offered, and in the religious media tend to fall into two categories:
1. Wealth is benign: With the exception of the annual stewardship campaign, many churches rarely addressing issues of wealth, be it the wealth of the community or the wealth of the individual. It just happens that certain people have wealth and others have less. God may have some concern with how you gain and use wealth, but not about how much you have.
2. Wealth is a blessing: Often implied in this message is that wealth is a sign of faithfulness and blessing. Sometimes wealth is portrayed as a reward for being generous or faithful in other ways.
Many American Christians tend to avoid addressing wealth issues when discussing their faith.
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust
Bibliography
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In What God Do We Trust
Appendix: Faith and Money Ministry Resources
The author gives a summation of helpful Faith and Money Resources including:
The Soul of Money by Lynn Twist
The Seven Stages of Money Maturity by George Kinder
A Woman's Book of Money and Spiritual Vision by Rosemary Willams
Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robbin
The Price of Faith by Marie Cross
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust:
Chapter 2 - America's Exceptional Individualism
This chapter seeks to identify the roots of middle class economic morality in America today. To accomplish that task the author looks at a "wide range of economic, political and religious/philosophic influences in the formation of American society to understand today's predominant ethos toward wealth."
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust:
Chapter 3 - Evolution of the Protestant Ethic in 20th Century America
An exploration of the trends in American religious thought and practice that plowed the ground for the prosperity theologies of today.
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust:
Chapter 1: A Revolution in Attitudes Toward Prosperity & Wealth
The sociological and theological forces that shaped America attitudes toward wealth accumulation over the past several centuries.
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust: Table of Contents
A core perspective of a competent steward is to be grounded in biblical and theological principles and have the ability to engage and critique culture.
The Table of Contents helps you navigate your way through the paper.
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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The Almighty Dollar: In Which God Do We Trust?
Chapter 4: Toward Developing A 21st Century Faith & Money Ethic
Michael Troutman presents theological reflections that engage contemporary economic theory and financial market realities. He is motivated "by my search for a relationship with money and wealth that will allow me a faith-filled journey that is more truly reflective of the gift of grace that a loving God bestows on me and all of creation."
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Article
Author: Michael Troutman is currently a Development Officer for Bread for the World/ .
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© miketroutman@gmail.com [Michael L. Trouman]
3156 Elliot Av
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-822-6059
All rights reserved
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Stewardship Is a Faith Issue
A Stewardship Perspective
Five Images of Stewardship
o the Cross
o our Baptism
o the Bible
o a half full glass
o a very beautifully wrapped gift
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Article
Author: Lyndon Brumby
Salt Specialist
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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Devotion: The Biggest Picture
Text: Luke 10:1, 17-20
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Article
Author: Salt Writer
March 2004
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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Generous Prayerful Discernment
As a leader you can embody and encourage prayerful discernment by asking God to bless it.
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Article
Author: Salt Writer
March 2004
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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Devotion: God Promises Everything We Need
Exodus 4:1-17
God promises to give us everything we need to accomplish God’s plans for us. In our wealthy American society, becoming accustomed to plenty often makes it easy to overlook our assets. God often uses the items of every day life to accomplish purposes that go far beyond our awareness.
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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Creating a Culture
A process to help identify what’s easy to talk about in your congregation?
The things that are easy to discuss in your congregation will end up being your lasting impact.
How do your results make you feel about your congregation’s strength?
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Article
Author: Salt Writer
March 2004
Posted: 11/11/2009
Theme: Resources
© http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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What's it all About?
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 11/9/2009
Theme:
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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Stewardship Catch Phrases
This articles allows the reader to reflect upon their own congregation and think about the Stewardship message that is being given from the congregation. This reflection is not only for those who hear the Stewardship message for the first time but also for the people who speak the message, to remind them of the basis and meaning of being a Steward.
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 11/9/2009
Theme: Resources
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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Devotion: First They Gave Themselves First to the Lord
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
What does it mean to "give yourself first to the Lord"? What form does that take in your life?
When is it easier to give yourself first to the Lord, during times of plenty or times of less-than-plenty?
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 11/9/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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NCD Biotics, Part Two
This article looks at the health of a congregation and the life principles that the congregation upholds. This articles causes the reader to reflect upon the congregation and the messages that the congreation focuses upon.
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 11/9/2009
Theme: Resources
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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he Mind of the Steward - A Partnership with God
A core perspective of a steward is an understanding that we are God's partners.
Mark 4:26-29
This devotional uses agricultural references serve as a parallel to our relationship with our growing faith.
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Article
Author: A Salt Seasoning Contributor
Posted: 11/4/2009
Theme: Resources
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution.
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The Definition of Happiness
A core leadership skill is to motivate a faith community's stewardship journey.
The following short article reflects on faith, money and happiness. It urges adults to teach children the joy of giving.
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Article
Author: From stewardship website of Corpus Christi Catholic Church>,
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
Posted: 11/3/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© http://www.corpuschristicc.org/StewardShip.htm/StewardShip.htm [Corpus Christi Catholic Church>], Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083
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National Debt
A Core Perspective of a competent steward is to engage and critique culture
The following article is one that states that the federal debt is misunderstood. Gary Moore states:
Most everyone knows the federal debt is now twelve trillion dollars. As a percentage of our national income (GDP), that is about half what it was at the end of World War Two. And it is projected to rise to that level again during my expected lifetime, assuming our wars and spending on retired boomers continue as is. Yet when we as individuals consider whether our mortgage is burdensome or not, we usually relate that debt to the value of our home, not simply our income. And I've never found one American Christian during twenty years of asking who knows the value of our American home. Yet that number is estimated each year by the same folks who estimate our debt. It simply isn't the bad news favored by our media and politicians.
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Article
Author: Gary Moore is founder of Financial Seminary,
an investment advisor and author.
Posted: 11/3/2009
Theme: Resources
© garmoco@hotmail.com [Gary Moore]
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The 9.5 Theses of Stewardship
Author Gary Moore, investment, adviser and founder of the Financial Seminary, has written an article that helps us reflect on the Reformation period by highlighting a document that's meaning and intent sometimes gets forgotten. In his article, "9.5 Theses," Gary highlights some of the challenges along with the opportunities that we have when dealing with the dollar in everyday life.
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Article
Author: Gary Moore, author, investment adviser and founder of the Financial Seminary
Posted: 11/2/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Gary Moore
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Stewardship of Enough
Text: John 10:10
Core Perspective: Trust God's Abundance
God has blessed us with enough. The practice of this theology goes against the ideology (and idolatry) of consumerism and consumption. It goes against the competitive spirit of acquisition. It frustrates the false glory of self-importance (I am what I own, what I control).
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Article
Author: Linda Rozumalski is a pastor West Denmark Lutheran Church,
Luck, WI.
Posted: 10/31/2009
Theme:
© Linda Rozumalski
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I Wish You Enough
Any time a congregation slips into maintenance mode, what happens? As an example, what would happen if your church leaders consistently said, "I've got to get some new members around here so that we can make sure we can pay our bills." Pretty soon the congregation would be hard pressed to hear God's guidance and the manna in the congregation would be in danger of going bad. So self-involvement leads to poor listening which leads to the manna God provides going bad.
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Article
Author: Jonathan Reitz is CEO at CoachNet North America.
Posted: 10/12/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© From Salt Seasonings; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. This may be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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Separating the Budget Process from the Stewardship Emphasis
"How can we make sure that our pledges will match our budget?"
Focus on faith response as opposed to fund raising!
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Article
Author: Unknown Salt Contributor
Posted: 10/9/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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The Great Permission
Texts: Mark 6:38 and Romans 8:24
Asset Based Planning
Asset-based thinking begins with the idea that God has given us all kinds of opportunities to use our gifts for God's glory (and the glory of God's kingdom).
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Article
Author: Jonathan Reitz is CEO at CoachNet North America.
Posted: 9/29/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Stewardship Resources, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. May be reproduced for local use with attribution.
Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright, 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and used by permission.
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Stewardship for Emerging Generations
Different generations reflect different types of givers within a congregation.
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Article
Author: Jonathan Reitz is CEO at CoachNet North America.
Posted: 9/18/2009
Theme: Resources
© Stewardship Resources, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and used by permission.
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Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don't Give More Money
In a sociological study of American Christians, the authors search for an answer to the question: "Why do Christians in the United States not give away their money much more generously than they do?"
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Article
Author: Christian Smith is a Professor of Sociology at Notre Dame University. Michael O. Emerson is a Professor of Sociology at Rice University.
Posted: 8/26/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Oxford
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Devotions to Guide Your Prayerful Consideration in Regards to Your Giving
Paul Larsen of Christ the Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN. wrote: "Every year we ask people to prayerfully consider what they will give in terms of time, talent and money to support the mission and ministry of Christ the King. Here is a set of brief devotions to help you engage in that prayerful consideration. Please gather with family and/or friends to read and reflect on the items below. If that is not possible they can be used in private, individual times of meditation and prayer. Conclude with a prayer asking God to let this "word for the day" help you to let your light shine brighter."
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Article
Author: Paul L. Larsen is Senior Pastor at Christ the Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN.
Posted: 8/19/2009
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© paullarsen@ctknb.org [Paul L. Larsen]
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The Ability to Change
The ability to accept change is about mentally "moving over" the old ways of doing something and looking at another option for achieving the same or a better result. The focus of your leadership should always be on your mission! If there are different ways to achieve better results to achieve it --- you need to make those changes! That's when you often hear, "but it isn't in the budget!" I have great respect for budgeting and it's a necessary part of being sound financially, but it isn't "cast in concrete" and needs to be treated as a spending plan --- not the end of every financial discussion.
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/24/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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The Real Mission
Too many of our congregations think they are successful if they hold worship services, observe the special church holidays, pay their bills and mail some checks to charitable organizations and their denomination. That's the easy part --- the format for the real work! The real job is to convert those people into disciples --- that's our real mission!
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/23/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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Creating Generosity
Most of our stewardship talks and sermons about giving are immediately mentally filed under, "their asking me for money" because the audience hasn't yet reached the spiritual understanding of why they are sitting in the church that day.
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/23/2009
Theme:
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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Simple but Difficult!
If you expected others to "step up to the plate" and perform with quality and class --- you had to lead them in a way that showed them how to do just that!
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/23/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
715/ 462-9727
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If Jesus Would Stop Talking About Money
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:13
As I made my way out of our sanctuary on a summer Sunday morning a few weeks ago, I stopped to shake hands with the pastor. I complimented her on a particularly good stewardship sermon that day. That's when she smiled and uttered (with mock exasperation), "If Jesus would stop talking about money, then I could!"
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Article
Author: By Mark Quade Stewardship Consultant, coach and leader.
Posted: 7/23/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Salt Happenings, http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. This may be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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Easter Luke 24 - How do you stay spiritually warm?
This article reminds the reader that the story of Easter brings along with it a desire to share that story with others. "Don't overlook the two things that the road-weary disciples did when they got to Jerusalem. Always acknowledge that you believe that Jesus is risen. And when you have an encounter with the living Christ, tell your story to anyone who will listen!"
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 7/17/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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The Need of the Giver To Give
This article places the context of giving within the Letters of Paul and then raises questions for the reader to place the ideas of stewardship, giving, and faith within their own life.
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Article
Author: Salt 2004
Posted: 7/17/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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Quarterly Statements as an Invitation to Community
This article speaks of the importance of providing information to members that have given but also to share stories of giving that display the foundational understanding of the purpose of giving. This shares the statistics of the giving but also the impact that the gifts are having.
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Article
Author: Salt 2005
Posted: 7/17/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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Capital Fund Campaigns and Good Stewardship
1 Chronicles 29:2-9
Larry Wingard talks about how Capital Fund Campaigns can produce or allow good stewards to be shown within a congregation. Wingard talks about the importance of the organization of the campaign but also to challenge people to give.
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Article
Author: Salt 2005
Larry Wingard, CFRE (Professional Credential for Philanthropic Fundraising Exectuive)
Posted: 7/17/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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Creative Ideas for the Offering
2 Corinthians 9:7
This article speaks of various ideas for offering so that others may see the offering in a new light and cause them to rethink what the offering means.
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Article
Author: Salt 2005
Posted: 7/17/2009
Theme: Resources
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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Who Is Your Titus?
2 Corinthians 8:16-17
This article has the person look at the story of Titus and then think about how opportunities should not be focused on one's self but on the others that we will be serving.
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Article
Author: Salt 2005
Posted: 7/17/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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More Than Enough
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-9
God provides all you need to do what God calls you to do. You have more than enough talent, leadership, imagination and money available. Make an effort to encourage, discover and identify the assets God has entrusted to your care. God is extravagant with you . You can do far more than you ask or imagine.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman
Posted: 7/16/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Jerry Hoffman
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"Charity in Truth": Benedict Breaks Some Eggs . . . And Lays One
Gary Moore comments on the Encyclical Letter of the Pope Benedict XVI, "Charity in Truth." He states: "There is surely considerable theology and philosophy for socialists, capitalists and even Third Wayers to chew on."
Moore finds much to like in the letter and sees it as a challenge to economic systems whose social responsibility is solely to make money. He contents that the most important ingredient in the letter is the call for the church to take responsibility for the current global economic crisis.
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Article
Author: Gary Moore is founder of Financial Seminary,
an investment advisor and author.
Posted: 7/11/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© garmoco@hotmail.com [Gary Moore]
7683 Alister Mackenzie Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34240
941.379.3807
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Conversations that Matter
Leaders effectively influence by the questions they ask and by the conversations they promote.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman
Posted: 7/8/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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Narrative Budgets: Telling Stories Which Interpret Mission a Part of Stewardship Ministry
In a time of anxiety, through each of our stories, God's wonderful acts are proclaimed. Mission interpretation is pointing out God's wonders through our daily lives as people of God and as God's church.
The narrative budget is one of the tools that help congregations tell their stories.
"Stewardship is about being thankful for what each of us has received and putting God first."
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Article
Author: Keith Mundy, is the Assistant Director for Stewardship, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amerca.
Posted: 7/8/2009
Theme: Resources
© Stewardship Resources, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. This can can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and used by permission.
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Who is Tuck Aaker?
I asked Tuck Aaker - who are you?
Tuck is a contributor to Stewardship for the 21st Century.
- Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker
Posted: 7/8/2009
Theme: Resources
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Enough Is Sufficient: Leading toward Abundance
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:8
Enough is enough is one of those cliché phrases that's common stock vocabulary for adults raising young kids. Now, with my adult's perspective, those words steer me in a different direction. Change one word to "Enough is sufficient!!" and these few words are changed from an admonition to a reassurance.
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Article
Author: Mark Quade is a Stewardship consultant, coach and leader.
Posted: 7/7/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© From Salt Seasonings, http://www.elca.org/Growing-in-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources]Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. This may be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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The Budget Chicken & The Commitment Card Egg: Which Comes First
Every fall, many congregational leaders begin a familiar conversation. They often seek to build the commitment process on a faith basis. But then they face the question: How will we know what number to plug into the income side of the budget?
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Article
Author: Unidentified Writer for Salt Seasonings
Posted: 7/7/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© From Salt Seasonings http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources, ] Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. This may be reproduced for local use with attribution.
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People are Like Oak Trees
Theme Text: Luke 6:4-45
Focus: Stewardship within daily life
What can leaders can be doing during the month of January
Reflection on "Oak Trees"
Asset Based Planning and Thinking
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Article
Author: Larry Wingard
Posted: 7/2/2009
Theme: Resources
© Stewardship Resources, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and used by permission.
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What is God Asking Me to Do?
A congregation I am coaching was confronted with a difficult choice. They had the opportunity to expand their ministries and reach more people with the Good News of Jesus, but it meant having to take on additional debt at a time when the economy was telling us all, "Be careful!"
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/2/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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The Times They Are Changing
Tuck Aaker reflects back on when he was younger and states,"Although a working family was only making $3,000 a year - they were contributing a larger percentage of what they made to their churches and to charities to help others than we do today with a whole lot more to give from."
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/2/2009
Theme: Resources
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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Riding the Waves
Let's reorganize our priorities and learn to ride the spiritual waves and bring balance and growth to our congregations. God creates those waves and we ride them
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/2/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
715/ 462-9727
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Amazing Grace
What is the difference between receiving
a wage
a prize
an award
grace?
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 7/2/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
©
Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
715/ 462-9727
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The Leadership Hierarchy
This article shows a system for a person to develop key leadership qualities. These are important aspects for a person who is achieving leadership within any capacity but truly important within the church as we are able to help one another.
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Article
Author: Salt 2005
Posted: 6/30/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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What Kind of Giver Are You?
Within this article, the reader is asked to look at how giving impacts their life. For giving is something that affects people differently and influences us at different points in our lives. Giving is at our core as being stewards of what has been given to us.
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Article
Author: Salt 2005
Posted: 6/30/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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It's A Joke Or Is It?
This article reminds the leader that the best place to find an expert on Stewardship is not from an outside expert but from a person who lives out being a steward from the faith community. It is finding a person who has those gifts given by God and allowing them to enrich the whole community.
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Article
Author: Salt, 2005
Posted: 6/30/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message - Humor
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced with attribution. All Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).
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What's a Steward?
This article identifies four myths about stewardship and two truths.
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Article
Author: From Robert Heerspink's book (1996) Becoming a Firstfruits Congregation, Barnabas Foundation, Orland Park, Ill; CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI; and RCA Foundation, New York, New York.
Posted: 6/12/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Published Christian Stewardship Services staffin “Christian Courier” newspaper. Content from Robert Heerspink’s book (1996) Becoming a Firstfruits Congregation, Barnabas Foundation, Orland Park, Ill; CRC Publications, Grand Rapids, MI; and RCA Foundation, New York, New York.
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Annual Report of the Results of Ministry
This an annual report comprised of a small sample of stories and testimonies of how Nativity makes a difference. The report was a combined report for the whole staff. There were no individual reports.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman, Director of Center for Stewardship Leaders, was pastor at Nativity Lutheran Church, St. Anthony Village from 1979-1999. The entire staff served authored the report.
Posted: 6/9/2009
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Nativity Lutheran Church
3312 Silver Lake Road
St. Anthony Village, MN 55418
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A Christian View of Money: Celebrating God's Generosity
"Money has a godlike power. I think about it a lot. How and when I might get more of it. What I will do with it once I get it. How much of it I want to share. How much I want to keep for myself. What I would do with it if I sud¬denly came into a large amount. Money consumes my waking moments and shows up in my dreams."
This is challenging book that calls for a frugal disciplined life style in a community of faith which holds each other accountable. It takes very seriously the power of money and its impact upon spiritual health.
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Article
Author: Mark Vincent lives in Elkhart, Ind. He has directed the Giving Project since 1995, a five-year project in stewardship education for the General Conference and Mennonite churches.
Posted: 6/9/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Herald Press
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10 Stewardship Issues Every Church Leader Should Consider in 2009
As we move toward 2009, the financial uncertainties force us to ask the most penetrating questions about stewardship that we have asked in decades.
Growing and courageous churches should consider these 10 issues in preparation for the coming year.
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Article
Author: Brad Leeper earned a Masters in Theology degree from Dallas Seminary and a B.S. in Economics from West Virginia University. He is Genesis Senior Strategist.
Posted: 6/9/2009
Theme: Resources
© Brad Leeper
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A Biblical Theology of Stewardship
This resource is a presentation that is based theologically on what stewardship is in the bible. It is meant to expand our life knowledge about stewardship, challenge some of our life attitudes about stewardship, and build some of our life skills as stewardship leaders.
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Article
Author: Dr. Ed Kruse,
Director for Stewardship Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Posted: 6/6/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Dr. Ed Kruse, Director of Stewardship for the ELCA
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Gambling Study
Is gambling an inherently sinful activity?
May Christians work in the gambling industry?
How should Christians exercise their political citizenship in matters relating to gambling?
How should Christian communities respond to gambling?
Session 1: Understanding Gambling
Session 2: Gambling and the Godly Life
Session 3: The Vulnerability of Gambling
Session 4: Lotteries, the Poor, and the State
Session 5: Gambling and the Economic Common Good
Session 6: Gambling on American Indian Reservations
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Article
Author: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Posted: 6/6/2009
Theme: Resources
© Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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Scarcity thinking will take you down
I believe that scarcity-think is the root of most unpleasant human behavior.
While we might say that a person has a bad attitude, we should really say that they have a case of Scarcity. When an executive bull barrels over a granny to get on the plane first, he’s just experiencing a perceived scarcity of overhead storage space for his roller bag. When a coworker snipes at you after you’ve received a sales award, she’s not necessarily a jealous person; she’s experiencing a scarcity of recognition. When your partner fails to show up to help you out of a jam, he’s not necessarily uncaring; he’s just wracked with a perceived scarcity of time to deal with his needs.
-Tim Saunders
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Article
Author: Tim Saunders
Posted: 6/6/2009
Theme: Resources
© Tim Saunders
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Transforming Stewardship through Pastoral Leadership
The following is in response to a case study where a pastor begins ministry in a congregation that is, financial stewardship-wise, very dysfunctional.
Aaron Werner responded to the challenge of this scenario by writing the following paper for a Luther seminary course, "Money and the Mission of the Church" in the spring of 2009.
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Article
Author: Aaron D. Werner is a MDiv 2009 graduate from Luther Seminary.
Posted: 5/21/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© awerner@luthersem.edu [Aaron D. Werner]
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On Receiving of Gifts
A lesson on how to receive gifts from an African Bishop.
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary L. Langness ELCA Pastor and Stewardship Leader
Posted: 4/29/2009
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Gary Langness
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Affluence is the Major Issue for the Church Today
Stewardship leadership is the most critical need in the church today. Pastor Langness gives his perspectives on what is needed.
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Article
Author: Rev. Jerry Hoffman, based on a talk by Rev. Gary Langness, stewardship leader and ELCA pastor, April 2002.
Posted: 4/29/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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Sometimes The Only Good Story is an Old One!
Learm to make the stories of today become the traditions of tomorrow.
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Article
Author: From SALT - Decemmber 2004.
Posted: 4/25/2009
Theme: Resources
© http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx [Stewardship Resources], Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Any part of Salt Seasonings can be reproduced for local use with attribution.
Scripture quotations from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright ©1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and used by permission.
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Stewardship in a Small Congregation
A pastor who does not talk about stewardship and even about tithing and then lets his or her congregation die a premature death is committing malpractice.
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Article
Author: Dana Reardon is pastor at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Warwick, RI.
Posted: 4/13/2009
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© mspastor@aol.com [Rev. Dana Reardon] .
All rights reserved.
Used by permission.
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Challenge to Moral Fiber
This challenge to our moral fiber is not political or economic --- it's religious! What can you and I do to start to turn this country back to God? The problems that we have created through lack of attention to how God has asked us to live are not going to be solved by "throwing" money at them, they are fundamental moral and ethical changes that must be addressed! Get involved --- speak your minds! Our future is not about bonuses and bail outs --- it's about God's Great Commandment and the Good News of Jesus Christ ---- and that's just good stewardship!
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 4/13/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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Not So Dumb!
Those people who were willing to ask those questions, as naïve as they may sound, are the people that became the most successful. They have placed the fear of looking naive below their goal of making the right decisions
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 4/13/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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The Times They Are Changing!
These times require additional work and energy to do what you were doing prior to the economic downturn --- but do them even better! Crank the music efforts up a notch, work even harder on your sermons and lessons, inspire your staff and volunteers to be even more attentive! Now is the time to create a positive attitude among your people! Inspire them to have faith in God and to believe that God will provide! It's important at this time that instead of cutting back on your benevolence spending that you take on some local projects to help the people in need.
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 4/13/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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The Power of Faith
When negativity takes over our thought process, those images of God and his power to change our lives disappear and don't reappear until we look at positive solutions!
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Article
Author: Tuck Aaker is a lay business person with a mission to grow stewards through coaching, consulting and writing on behalf of synods and the ELCA.
Posted: 4/13/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Editor–SUNSHINE STEWARDSHIP
E-Letter with Creative Ideas
Editor– TuckAaker@aol.com [Tuck Aaker]
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To Need or To Want: That is the Question
Nathan Dungan writes an article that brings back the question, 'Do I really need it or is it just a want?' Dungan looks at how this question influences our budget as a whole.
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Article
Author: Nathan Dungan is the creator of Share Save Spend
Posted: 4/9/2009
Theme: Resources
© http://www.sharesavespend.com
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Tick-Tock Goes the Clock: Financial Illiteracy as Status Quo
Nathan Dungan writes this newsletter article about the current economic times and some possible ways of going through these times.
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Article
Author: Nathan Dungan
Posted: 3/27/2009
Theme: Resources
© Nathan Dungan 2008
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offline Articles from Stewardship for the 21st Century
2008 Kairos and 2008 Money and Mission
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Article
Author:
Posted: 2/25/2009
Theme: Resources
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Crisis - Financial and/or Spiritual
Underneath this financial crisis is a spiritual one. (There is always a spiritual crisis under the presenting crisis!)
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Article
Author: Pastor Josef Aalbue is the pastor at Family of Christ Lutheran Church.
Posted: 2/7/2009
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Pastor Josef Aalbue 2008
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Pursuing Ponzi Protection
(From Financial Wolves in Sheep's Clothing)
Five realities of Ponzi-schemers.
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Article
Author: Gary Moore,
author, investment adviser and founder of the Financial Seminary
Posted: 2/7/2009
Theme: Resources
© Gary Moore
The Financial Seminary
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Restoring the Joy of Giving
This article shares the story of how one person's gift to a congregation inspired the congregation to share the blessing with others in the community. This is an inspiring story that brought the best out of many to share the blessings given to them. This story displays how one gift can have an impact upon many.
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Article
Author: Pastor Bonnie Lomen is a pastor at First Lutheran Church in Pine River, MN.
Posted: 1/28/2009
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Pastor Bonnie Lomen 2008
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A Temple Talk Monologue -- What church?
Gary Neumann delivers a great Temple Talk on stewardship in which he looks at many of the excuses that people generally think about but then Neumann puts it into a perspective of having a conversation with God about how much a person gives.
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Article
Author: Gary Neumann
Posted: 1/24/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Gary Neumann
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Gift-Giving from the Heart
Nathan Dungan raises a question of what truly becomes a gift that people remember and has purpose. During the time of Thanksgiving, Dungan reflects upon what is the reason for giving the gift that is being given. Often we feel a great joy when we do give from our heart to others.
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Article
Author: Nathan Dungan is the creator of Share Save Spend
Posted: 1/24/2009
Theme: Resources
© Share Save Spend
Nathan Dungan
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Sweet Success of Spreading the Message of Stewardship
St. Paul Lutheran in Springfield, Minnesota discovered how stewardship can be done "tastefully." The Harvest Offering Service, followed by a pasty and pizza supper, was based on teaching stewardship and has turned out to be very helpful in lowering the congregation's debt.
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Article
Author: Dave Pedersen of St. Paul Lutheran in Springfield, Minnesota.
Posted: 12/15/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Dave Pedersen 2008
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The Dragonfly Project
A small act of kindness to help a grieving family, following the death of their son, led to the creation of The Dragonfly Project in 2002.
When an 11-year old friend died from a brain tumor, Anne Marquardt Brooker sent his family a story about dragonflies and their significance in the cycle of life and death. The story so moved the grieving family with its "message of hope" that it inspired Anne to create a nonprofit corporation that would reach out to others who were grieving the loss of a family member or friend.
The Dragonfly Project consists of volunteers who help put together and mail condolence cards, a copy of the dragonfly story and a dragonfly keychain.
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Article
Author: Ann Brooker founded the Dragonfly Project when she was 11 years old. She is a member of Nativity Lutheran Church, St.Anthony Village, MN.
Posted: 12/9/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Ann Brooker
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Is there a rule of giving that fits most circumstances?
Is there a rule of giving that fits most circumstances?
Do You Believe in an "Eleventh Commandment"?
What is the Relation Between Our Ways of Giving and Our Ways of Serving the Cause of Justice?
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Article
Author: Robert Wood Lynn and D. Susan Wisely are the co-hosts of the web site. Visions of Giving
Posted: 12/1/2008
Theme: Resources
© Visions of Giving
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nb Money and Mission Stewardship Interview:
A Generous Giver
An interview to help you deepen your relationship with congregants, particularly to help understand their perpestive on stewardship.
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Article
Author: Glenn Taibl,
Stewardship Pastor, Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, MN
Posted: 11/27/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© gtaibl@incarnationmn.org [Glenn Taibl]
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Peter Drucker, PhD: Well Done, Good and Faithful Stewardship Preacher
Peter Drucker's contribution to the economic well-being of the world was signficant. In this article, Gary Moore emphasizes how his voice was similar to that of the biblical prophets. He wrote and spoke timeless and transcendent truths that addressed problems of our day. He preached that the commandment to love our neighbor is a call for social economic responsibility.
Peter Drucker took stewardship beyond fund-raising and brought it into the whole economic fabric of life.
This article is an ode to Drucker and a reflection on how his insights ought to be integrated into the core messages of the church today.
Moore's article may be reproduced wherever helpful without permission.
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Article
Author: Gary Moore, author, investment adviser and founder of the Financial Seminary
Posted: 11/19/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Moore
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Katrina Foster Wins Stewardship Award
This shows the life that Katrina Foster has lived and the change that influenced her life. The change did not only influence her life but the life of the congregation that she served. They have changed their mentalities and both are now living with healthy lives as stewards of their resources.
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Article
Author: Seeds of the Parish
July-August, 2007
Volume 4
Posted: 10/27/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Fordham Lutheran Church, New York
E-mail: katrinafoster@msn.com
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Spirituality of Fundraising
A conversation with Henri Nouwen, Unedited transcription from a talk given by Henri Nouwen to the Marguerite Bourgeoys Family Service Foundation.
September 16, 1992
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Article
Author: Henri Nouwen, internationally renowned priest and author, respected professor and wrote over 40 books on the spiritual life.
Posted: 10/27/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Reprinted with the generous permission of L’Arche Canada Foundation 1992
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What About a Public Thank You?
"Given that every pledger gets an individual thank you note, what is your experience with a public Thank You' in a newsletter article, e.g., an alphabetical listing of givers (with no dollar amounts listed of course)?"
Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek
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Article
Author: The Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, Rector of St. Peter's Church in Ellicott City, Maryland, and a Stewardship Consultant with the Stewardship Office of the Episcopal Church Center.
Posted: 10/27/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© "Networking"
Newsletter of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship
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Saying Thank You
Pastor Formo reports:
"As a child I was taught to say thank you.
As a Pastor in Roseville,MN, I visited the 30 largest givers and gave them a calligraphed piece of Pauls words 'I thank my God everytime I remember you.' They were surprised and said they had never been thanked like this.
"I spent about one half hour in each home."
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Article
Author: Phil Formo is pastor at St Luke Lutheran Church, Bloomington, MN.
Posted: 10/27/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Phil Formo
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Special Thank Offering
I wonder what would happen in our congregations if someone came to their pastor and requested a special thank offering? What if they were young and thankful? How many folks would get out of their pew and join them? Would you?
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary L. Langness is an ELCA Pastor and stewardship leader who continues to influence others with his words and his life.
Posted: 10/25/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary L. Langness 2008
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The Story of Stuff
The Story of Stuff;
From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
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Article
Author: Annie Leonard
Posted: 10/14/2008
Theme: Resources
© Story of Stuff
1442A Walnut Street, #272
Berkeley, CA 94709 USA.
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On the Current Financial Crisis (2009)
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Article
Author: The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, October 7, 2008
Posted: 10/14/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© The Conference of Bishops
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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Child's Offering
Ever wonder how high to reach when you make a giving decision? Might it be that we could reach for the next level . . .
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member of the Center for Stewardship Leadership's Financial Stewardship Team.
Posted: 10/13/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary L. Langness
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Transfroming Stewardship: From Functional to Missional
Chapter 1
Transfroming Stewardship: From Functional to Missional
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/6/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Thesis Appendix
A series of resources that where used during this project
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Chapter 4 Methodology
Does the congregation's stewardship fully engage the mission? Do church members make any connection between their financial contributions and their understanding of the missional nature of the church and the congregation's mission statement? Are the attitudes of church members regarding the mission and vision in any way related to their financial pledges? This research was an attempt to discern any such relationship, grow the relationship, and affect it in a positive direction.
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Chapter 7- Epilogue
Here Kvanli the impact of the overall influence of the doctor of ministry program—how it has transformed my ministry and the ministry and mission of the congregation I serve, Midwest Lutheran. What I have learned through this program has broadened and deepened my knowledge of missional theology, Trinitarian theology, social science research, statistics, and much more; but mostly, this doctor of ministry program has deepened my passion for the mission of the church.
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Chapter 6 - Conclusions
In churches such as Midwest Lutheran, stewardship has become a necessary yearly ritual; therefore, churches have tried to make this annual routine as painless as possible for the members and for the leaders themselves.
As a result, mission often becomes little more than paying the bills and ending the year in the black. Such practices funtionalize stewardship and narrow our understanding of what it means to be a missional stewarding church.
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Chapter 3 Biblical and Theological Perspectives for the Missionally Stewarding Church
The cultural economy of the United States today is shaped by consumerism and self-centeredness. One of the big challenges facing churches is how to address such a culture with a gospel that shapes lives around grace, gratitude, and generosity. In contrast to the U.S. economy, God's economy is one of mutual abundance and the promise of a full and plentiful life lived in community. The goal of Christian stewardship should be the cultivating of a church that is a community of faith living out its mission and vision according to God's economy and God's abundance.
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Transforming Stewardship: From Functional to Missional
Chapter 2 Literature Review
We begin with questions:
* What has been the research on church giving?
* What research has been conducted on patterns of church giving?
* Has any of the research suggested a relationship between giving and a congregation's mission and vision?
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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Chapter 5- Research Findings
This was a 10-month action research project conducted from February through November of 2007. The primary actions during this period were the capital campaign, the annual stewardship campaign, interviews, focus groups, and two surveys. Throughout the research there were challenges and surprises, and some encouraging data were collected.
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Article
Author: Lonny L. Kvanli, Associate Pastor at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls received his D.Min in Congregational Mission and Leadership writing his thesis on the topic of Stewardship.
Posted: 10/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© © 2008 by Lonny L. Kvanli
All rights reserved
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It's Not What You Think
"Gifts are gifts - given by God and meant to be shared. By assuming we don't need anything from others, we deny them the opportunity to practice their stewardship."
--John Holden
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Article
Author: John Holden is a member of the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, MN stewardship committee and is the communications director at St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral
Posted: 8/26/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© John Holden, Basilica of St. Mary's, Minneapolis, MN OF ST. MARY'S, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, EMAIL:
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Hymns on Stewardship: Leader's Guide
The guide for those who will lead the three sessions, "Hymns on Stewardship."
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Article
Author: Gracia M. Grindal is professor of Rhetoric at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 8/19/2008
Theme:
© Center for Stewardship Leaders
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
Gracia M. Grindal
All Rights Reserved
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Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, and Christian Givers
What is the relationship between the Church and our wealth? The question is always before us as individuals and as a community of God called the Church.
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Article
Author: Pastor Craig J. Lewis,
Senior Pastor, Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Resources
© A publication of Central Lutheran Church, 333 12th Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
All rights reserved.
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The Bondage of Stuff
Luke 18:24-25 ... Stuff makes the faith journey much more difficult.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gerald J. Hoffman
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Six Ways to Increase Giving
ASK: The single most effective way to ask people to support your congregation's mission.
MEMBERS GIVE MORE IF:
1 - They understand giving is a grateful response to God who loves and saves us.
2 - They are actively involved in congregational life.
3 - They believe in the congregation's ministry.
4 - They are given a financial response opportunity every year.
5 - They can designate some gifts to special ministries.
6 - They receive envelopes monthly instead of yearly.
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Article
Author: ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod Newsletter
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Give the Gift and Let It Go
"If you have to put a hook in the offering envelope it indicates you really don't trust the recipient, or you really did not want to give the gift. Better not to give it at all than to give it being ready to yank it out of the plate."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary Langness is a retired ELCA pastor and stewardship leader.
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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Is it OK to Talk About Money Now?
Pastor Gary Anderson of Incarnation Lutheran Church, North Oaks, Minn., provides this quote from the October 2001 issue of Money magazine.
In sending it, Gary wrote: "I was surprised, pleased and moved to find these reflections in a secular magazine. I am sharing this with the congregation in an upcoming 'From the Pastor' article."
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Article
Author: Walter Updegrave
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Money Magazine
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Stewards of God's Mysteries:
Stewarding as a Model for Congregational Ministry
Are a church's people "members"? "Disciples"? In the following article, Rolf Jacobson says calling them "stewards of God's mysteries" would better reflect the biblical picture of church membership.
"Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy"(1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
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Article
Author: Rolf A. Jacobson is associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Copyright © 2006, Word & World, St. Paul, Minn. All rights reserved.
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Give to Grow (A Case Statement)
In this case statement Glenn discusses where Incarnation has been and where it has the potential to go. This is an easy to follow talk that can be transformed into most congregations.
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Article
Author: Glenn Taibl is the Stewardship Pastor at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, Minn.
Posted: 8/7/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Glenn Taibl
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Stewardship and Worship
"Stewardship and worship! Of terms in contradiction, these two seem to be at opposite ends. Stewardship in worship appears to be a classic oxymoron. Speaking in this article from the Christian perspective, I suggest that in worship, however, if stewardship and worship are separated, a significant element of the entire event of worship is absent." - Chaplain Allen Lowe
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Article
Author: Chaplain (LTC) Allen K. Lowe serves as the Deputy COSCOM Chaplain, 13th COSCOM, Fort Hood, TX.
Posted: 8/5/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Chaplain (LTC) Allen K. Lowe
US Army Chaplaincy Journal reference
"Stewardship and Worship"
Winter/Spring 2003
permission granted.
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The Essential Story
This article provides helpful clues to consider when writing an annual report, a newsletter or a thank you note. One can also learn what to tell people about who benefits from what your congregation does and what benefits they receive.
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Article
Author: Terry Axelrod, founder of the basic Raising More Money Model.™
Posted: 8/4/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Raising More Money®. All Rights Reserved
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Abundance
Like powder-milk biscuits, abundance has given us the strength to get up and do what needs to be done.
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Article
Author: Steve McKinley is an author, a retired ELCA pastor and currently a supervisor of seminary interns for the Western Mission Cluster of the ELCA.
Posted: 7/28/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Steven McKinley
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Six Economic Myths Heard in the Pulpit
The authors believe "a better understanding of both the salutary and corrosive impacts of economic forces should prepare pastors and lay Christians to discern where the real moral issues and grace-full opportunities lie."
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Article
Author: Robin Klay and Christopher Gryzen.
Robin Klay is associate professor of economics at Hope College in Holland, Mich. Christopher Gryzen is one of her students.
Posted: 7/28/2008
Theme: Resources
© This article appeared in The Christian Century, February 22, 1995, pp. 204-208. Copyright by The Christian Century Foundation; used by permission. Current articles and subscription information can be found at www.christiancentury.org.
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Stewards of the Earth's Resources: A Christian Response to Ecology
Dr. Dobel discovers that there are a number who are concerned about ecological issues who find that the problem resides with religious teaching. He replies to the accusation and suggests: "Any ecological ethic which takes into account both God and humanity and does not reduce both to some extension of undifferentiated nature must begin with a rejection of the unbridled sovereignty of humanity over the earth. In this rejection is the recognition that all work upon the earth must be informed by a clear understanding of and respect for the earth as an autonomous and valuable entity and the laws of nature on which the bounty of the earth depends."
This article is a statement of his argument.
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Article
Author: J. Patrick Dobel
Dr. Dobel is assistant professor of political theory at University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Posted: 7/28/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© This article appeared in the Christian Century October 12, 1977, p. 906. Copyright by the Christian Century Foundation and used by permission.
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Love, Money and Pigs
"Some pastors don't want to talk about it. Many parishioners don't want to hear about it. But Martin Luther never shied away from it -- money."
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Article
Author: Barbara Owen
Posted: 7/28/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© ©1996 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Duplication in whole or in part is prohibited without written per mission from the publishers: Augsburg Fortress, Publishers, 426 S. Fifth Street, Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440. (800) 328-4648
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Loving Stuff: Affluenza
On Friday an automatic teller machine gave me the bad news. My bank balance was zero. Payday wasn't until Monday. We were officially broke. My family wasn't destitute. The bills were paid. We had more than enough food. But for two days we couldn't buy anything.
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Article
Author: Sylvia Alloway is a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Arlena, Calif.
Posted: 7/25/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Augsburg Fortress
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Tree of Life: An Organic Vision of the Church
An metaphor that has significant implications for the church.
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Article
Author: wmiller@mcselca.org The Rev. Wayne N. Miller is bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Posted: 7/22/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Metropolitan Chicago Synod
Bishop Wayne N. Miller
1420 W. Dickens Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614-3004
phone: (773) 248-0021
fax: (773) 248-8455
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Temple Talks
Powerful temple talks occur when a respected member of the congregation speaks during a worship service conveying a spiritual message on how God has been present in their lives and how that has led to generosity. Temple talks of this nature have literally been the key to significant changes in attitudes and behavior for whole congregations.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman is the Director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 7/22/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Jerry Hoffman
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Confessions of a Middle Class Materialist
"Oh, no, not that time again," I sighed. For years it was the same story: Sometime during the fall I'd sit down in church, open the bulletin and see the line, "Stewardship Temple Talk." Again.
"But we ought to increase it a little," my husband usually pleaded. "I think we should aim for ..." Then he'd state an amount, and I'd cringe. "What about our bills?"
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Article
Author: Myra Johnson
Posted: 7/21/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Duplication in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publishers: Augsburg Fortress, Publishers, 426 S. Fifth Street, Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440. (800) 426-0115
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Air Care: What's bad About Ground-Level Ozone and What you can do to Help
One of God's mysteries is the "manufacture" of oxygen found in the air we breathe and without which we would perish. In green plants, the sun's radiant energy is converted into chemical energy which, in turn, converts carbon dioxide into oxygen. We call this photosynthesis.
But, as stewards of oxygen, we aren't trustworthy.
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Article
Author: Ralph G. Lemoon
Posted: 7/21/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© ©1999 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Duplication in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publishers: Augsburg Fortress, Publishers, 426 S. Fifth Street, Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440. (800) 426-0115
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Characteristics of Church Leaders
There's a question I often ask myself: "What characteristics, attitudes and practices do I find in leaders that I respect and want to possess myself?" Here are some of my responses.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman is the director of the Center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
Posted: 7/16/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Jerry Hoffman
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Preaching on Stewardship
Why are pastors among the top congregational givers though their incomes are relatively modest?
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Article
Author: Pastor John Snyder serves as Senior Pastor at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, MN.
Posted: 7/15/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© http://www.workingpreacher.org [Working Preacher]
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Temple Talk on Commitment
Jane remembers her father's commitment to his church and how he poured himself how into helping build a new building when she was a child. She views this as an opportunity to share her blessings.
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Article
Author: Jane Dixon is an active member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, MN. She gave a temple talk on one of the Sundays during their Capital Fund Appeal for a new build
Posted: 7/14/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: The Challenge
The following is Jerry Kujala's temple talk given during worship in May 2005.
He reflects on the challenges the congregation faced since the fire in 1998, how it positively responded to those challenges and the challenges before the congregation to continue to share what has been given.
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Article
Author: Jerry Kujala is the chair of the leadership team for the "Catch the Vision! Claim the Promise!" debt reduction appeal at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN.
Posted: 7/14/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Jerry Kujla Email: jerry2@cpinternet.com
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THE TOP TEN: Young Adult Ministry
This is a list of the top tan random thoughts, ponderings and stuff we've actually tried doing ministry with young adults.
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Article
Author: Scott Searl is the Stewardship Pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior, MN. Pastor Heidi Binstock, and Pastor Erin Bents are contributors.
Posted: 7/12/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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Financial Stewardship in an Emerging Congregation
The Emerging Church is strugglng with issues of financial stewardship.
This is a story about what happened during worship in one such congegation followed by reflections on what does this mean.
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Article
Author: Nadia Bolz-Weber is the organizing pastor for an emerging faith community in Denver, CO.
Posted: 7/12/2008
Theme: Resources
© sarcasticlutheran@gmail.com [Nadia Bolz-Weber]
Denver, CO
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Are Your Friends Always Spending Money?
Tips and activities that will reduce spending.
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Article
Author: Kara McGuire, money columnist for personal finance and money matters. Her column about spending, saving, and getting ahead, appears in the Star Tribune.
Posted: 7/12/2008
Theme: Resources
© A Blog by Trent
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/11059181.html [Ka-Ching!]
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Accountability: Its Implications for the Catholic Parish
"Accountability," the U.S. Bishops state in a pastoral letter on stewardship, "has become an important indicator of whether or not an organization is worthy of investment."
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Article
Author: Parish Growth Partners is a leading provider of customized Catholic parish stewardship communications.
Posted: 7/11/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Parish Growth Partners
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Rendering Unto Caesar And Unto God
Taxes and Giving
It's not so easy to figure out what is God's, since all of it, in the last analysis, is God's. All that we have, all that we are, is a gift to us from God . . . or maybe just a loan.
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Article
Author: Steve McKinley is an author, a retired ELCA pastor and currently a supervisor of seminary interns for the Western Mission Cluster of the ELCA.
Posted: 7/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Article written by Steve McKinley for http://www.firstenglishlutheran.org [First English Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI]
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God's Glorious Variety
"God has given you a unique set of gifts that are yours alone . . . Whatever your gifts are, God invites you to use those gifts as the Gospel is extended . . . When you use your gifts . . . out of gratitude to God for God's grace and God's gifts, you're changing the world.
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Article
Author: Steve McKinley is an author, a retired ELCA pastor and currently a supervisor of seminary interns for the Western Mission Cluster of the ELCA.
Posted: 7/11/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Article written by Steve McKinley for http://www.firstenglishlutheran.org [First English Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI]
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On Giving More Than You Can Afford
Mark 12 - The Widow's Mite
Most of us, even the most faithful stewards, build our giving around what we can afford. We are safe, careful, responsible people. We aren't reckless, extravagant people.
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Article
Author: Steve McKinley is an author, a retired ELCA pastor and currently a supervisor of seminary interns for the Western Mission Cluster of the ELCA.
Posted: 7/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Steve McKinley
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Preaching Themes for Stewardship
Ramp provides a compilation of stewardship preaching themes of his own as well as from other sources.
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Article
Author: Dr. Steve Ramp
Posted: 7/10/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Dr. Steve Ramp
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GOD'S GIFTS
The author of the following poem handed this to me after a recent stewardship sermon which proclaimed that "life is a gift."
She is the author of, That Reminds Me: Family Story-Starters for Passing on the Faith, Augsburg Fortress Publishers.
- Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Jean Brown Eittreim,
Golden Valley,MN,is a trainer of clergy and lay leaders. She is also the author of poems and magazine articles, former teacher, mother.
Posted: 7/9/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© jbeittreim@comcast.net [Jean Brown Eittreim]
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End of Year Gifts Can Make A Difference
The end of the year provides an opportunity to invite people to make special gifts. This article includes encouraging people to give from their assets as well as from their income for special ministries.
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Article
Author: Steve McKinley is an author, a retired ELCA pastor and currently a supervisor of seminary interns for the Western Mission Cluster of the ELCA.
Posted: 7/9/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Steve McKinley
First English Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI
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Are You a Tipper?
The following article by Pastor Steve McKinley compares the difference between "tipping" and "giving."
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Article
Author: Steve McKinley is an author, a retired ELCA pastor and currently a supervisor of seminary interns for the Western Mission Cluster of the ELCA.
Posted: 7/9/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Steve McKinley
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Teach and Model It and You Will See God Activate a Remarkable Ripple Effect
"The Bible says extravagant generosity ought to be the norm, not the exception. When pastors and Christian leaders raise the giving bar in the local church and in ministries—God will activate a remarkable ripple effect, not for the sake of the budget, but for the sake of the Kingdom."
--John Pearson
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Article
Author: John Pearson is the CEO of Christian Management Association.
Posted: 7/9/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Copyright 2002, Christian Management Association, San Clemente, CA. Printed by permission. Click http://www.CMAonline.org [CHURCH MANAGEMENT ON LINE] to access many informative and interesting articles.
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Do Not Deny Anyone The Opportunity to Discover the Joy of Generosity
Gerry Rafftery writes:
"I am convinced that if the invitation is proclaimed, wrapped in the Gospel message, it will make no difference to the hearer whether or not they are rich or poor – whether they can joyfully give one penny or one million dollars. It is not the quantity of the gift but the quality that makes the difference in our lives and brings the joy."
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Article
Author: Gerry Rafftery is the Luther Seminary Philanthropic Adviser. Prior to that he served congregations in Minnesota, Wyoming and Montana.
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gerry Rafftery
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Thank You, Pastor, for Saying "Thank You" (Part 1)
Gary writes about a letter from his pastor in which he thanked, affirmed and encouraged Gary and his wife. Every household that made a commitment for the next year received one.
Gary writes, "Thanks to all of you pastors who look for ways to say 'thank you.' You are helping to build up the body of Christ!"
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Gary Langness
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Pastor, Do You Tell People What You Give?
Telling the congregation what you give helps to raise the sights of the people. It helps people consider that they too can grow in their giving.
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
Lots of opportunities for people to give.
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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PASTOR - YOU HAVE TO ASK
"If we fail to ask we fail to give people an opportunity to give and experience the joy of giving."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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PASTORS - BE RESPONSIBLE
"There are few things that can undermine a ministry quicker than being irresponsible with the congregation's money."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
"A funny thing about money and possessions: no matter how much we have, it is never quite enough."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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What Goals?
"Becoming a generous steward will happen as you set giving goals, develop a plan and daily pray that God will help you be faithful."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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CONVERSATIONS WITH RELATIVES ABOUT ASSETS WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS DIED AND I AM WALKING OUT THE DOOR
"I have seen a family of four grown children sit down and talk about distributing the assets in a loving, caring way. The center of the conversation was about other people."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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IS IT HOT OR COLD IN THERE?
"I think that before a pastor can give effective leadership in stewardship, he or she must be with the people, especially when they are in need. People need to know that the pastor loves and cares for them."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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So What Do We Get?
Pastor Langness writes about what his family received from having guests from Tanzania in his home.
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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WELCOME TO READLYN - 857 FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND ONE OLD GRUMP!
"Think about the truly happy people in your life. I suspect they are givers. Think about the grumps. They have yet to learn how to give. Perhaps God could use you to instill in "the grump" the gift of becoming a giver."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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KIDS AND BUCKS!
"Some of my fondest memories are of conversations Carol and I had with our children centered around money."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship
Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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On Saying Thank You
"Thankfulness is a lifestyle. We choose how we will live and we choose the attitude in which we will live our life. An attitude of thankfulness is important in our daily tasks, our work, our relationships with family, friends, co-workers and God."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary LANGNESS ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 7/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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Evelyn
A story about how a pastor's purchase of a bag of 50 Christmas tree ornaments for $1.20 a piece multiplied hope beyond imagination.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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Talking Straight about Stewardship
"Many pastors are uncomfortable talking straight about stewardship with the people of their congregations whether it be in new member classes, adult education, worship, or private conversation. The result is that countless numbers of people never have the opportunity to experience the joy of giving."
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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Do You Have an Attitude?
"I have had conversations with fine Christian people who acknowledge that they do not give as they should and that it is an issue they face on a regular basis in their lives. Something holds them back."
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Resources
© Gary Langness
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A Bigger Storage Bin
A lot of stuff is a burden. "What would happen if we made an effort to rid ourselves of the stuff we do not need, but someone else could use?"
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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Unnecessary Mail
Before you think a thank you note is unnecessary, think again.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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A Short Right Arm
People who have little often have the greatest capacity to teach us about giving.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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Deathbed Conversations about Money and Possessions
We learn something about money when we listen to what people talk about on their deathbeds.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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My Story – Your Story
Pastor Langness tells his own stewardship story.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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Every Once in A While
This is a story about a couple who enjoy giving abundantly and bringing joy to others.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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When Giving Shapes Our Budget
What might happen in your life and relationships if giving was the cornerstone of your budget?
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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How Long Does it Take
It takes persistence, prodding and patience to grow a congregation composed of strong stewards.
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Article
Author: Gary L. LANGNESS is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member...
Posted: 6/29/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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Changing the Stewardship Culture
Changing the stewardship culture is an on-going effort. You don't begin until you become intentional.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman is Diector of the Center for Stewardship Leaders, Luther Seminary.
Posted: 6/28/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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The Parade
Greedy adults need to learn from generous children.
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Article
Author: Rev. Jerry Hoffman
Posted: 6/28/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Gerald J. Hoffman
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MOUTAIN IRON FAITH: Organizing A Resurrection
In May 2000, Pastor Foster is in awe as she reflects on what is happening to Messiah. She calls it a "resurrection." She celebrates the broad based participation of members and strangers who have come together to construct a new church building.
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Article
Author: Rev. Kristin Foster is pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Kristin Foster Email: krmafo@yahoo.com
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: Fire Seed
The following essay was written for the Mesabi Daily News, to be published on Sunday, October 4, 1998, as the first of a series of guest columns from Messiah for the community-at-large.
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Article
Author: Rev. Kristin Foster is pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Kristin Foster Email: krmafo@yahoo.com
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Ten Guides for Giving from the New Testament
Harris Lee believes that that there are multiple motivations for giving. Some we don't even realize ourselves.
He has developed the following list of ten which derive from the New Testament. Harris states that this would make a good base for a bible study or for a good stewardship sermon.
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Article
Author: Rev. Harris Lee,
although retired, continues to faithfully serve the church. At present, Harris is a key stewardship leader for the ELCA, Clergy Coach and a consultant.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Harris Lee
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Your Gifts Make a Difference: Orkesumet, Tanzania Medical Clinic
An example of weekly ministry that lets people know how their gifts of time, talent and money make a difference.
For more information and illustrations click on: Your Gifts Make a Difference
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Article
Author: David Hoffman is senior pastor at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon News
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Your Gifts Make a Difference: Adult Learning Ministry
An example of weekly ministry that lets people know how their gifts of time, talent and money make a difference.
For more information and illustrations click on Your Gifts Make a Difference
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Article
Author: Cheryl Mathison is the teaching pastor at St.Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon
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Your Gifts Make a Difference: Helping Ministries
An example of weekly ministry that lets people know how their gifts of time, talent and money make a difference.
For more information and illustrations click on Your Gifts Make a Difference
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Article
Author: Valerie Strand Patterson is the adult ministry pastor at St.Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon News
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Your Gifts Make a Difference: Middle School Ministry
An example of weekly ministry that let people know how their gifts of time, talent and money make a difference.
For more information and illustrations click on: Your Gifts Make a Difference
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Article
Author: Jessi Suomala,
Middle School Ministry, St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon News
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We Cannot Afford Not to Tithe
Joyce was leaving a meeting where there was a discussion about what to do to balance the budget. The pledges that had been made were insufficient to meet the expenditures needed.
She saw me and said, "I have been praying about this. I have asked the spirit to help me speak up. But I couldn't do it. These people don't seem to understand that there is an easy solution. If we would all just tithe, there would be no problem."
I asked this bright ray of sunshine on a gloomy day if she would be willing to put her thoughts in writing. She was and she did.
--Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Joyce Knutsen is a member of St.Philip's Lutheran Church, Fridley, MN. She has beautiful white hair and readily greets others with a bright cheerful smile.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Joyce Knutsen
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: Second Calling
In Pastor Foster's January 1999 annual report, she writes on the "year of the fire!" The fire was an identifying life event which impacted many people in the congregation and beyond. The fire changed the congregation. As she writes, "To be more precise, it has changed everything not by erasing what has come before, but by accentuating it."
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Article
Author: Rev. Kristin Foster is pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Kristin Foster Email: krmafo@yahoo.com
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: Faith Will Move Us
This is article was written for Messiah Lutheran Church's first Capital Appeal following a fire which destroyed their building in 1998.
She writes about the opportunity to affect the course of many lives for many years to come. "We are standing at the brink of such an opportunity now."
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Article
Author: Rev. Kristin Foster is pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Kristin Foster Email: krmafo@yahoo.com
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Stewardship in Families
The author shares her insights on why and how stewardship education belongs in the family.
What my children have taught me
Give the good stuff.
Care for the creation, even when it isn't clean and easy.
Give generously, not dependent on being worthy, because God has given abundantly to us regardless of our worth.
--Marilyn Sharpe
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Article
Author: Marilyn Sharpe is Director of Christian Parenting and Intergenerational Ministry at The Youth & Family Institute in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Logos Productions, 1-800-328-0200
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The Starting Paint of Stewardship
What is the starting point of stewardship?
Option A: Stewardship as Investment
Option B: Stewardship as Crisis Management
Option C: Stewardship as Obligation
Option D: Stewardship as An Act of Faith
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Article
Author: John Indermark is a United Church of Christ minister and writer who lives in Naselle, Washington. He is the author of Traveling the Prayer Paths of Jesus.
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Logos Productions, 1-800-328-0200.
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What Makes A Christian Steward
True stewards first and foremost have Christ in their hearts.
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Article
Author: Pastor Paulus Pilgrim,
a retired ELCA pastor, serving as visitation pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN.
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Paulus Pilgrim in Faith Matters
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Does Generous Giving By People We Know Encourage Us To Do The Same?
In the Feb. 10, 2004 email newsletter, "What Gives? Why Are Strings Attached to Gifts?", I raised the following questions:
Do most people give to glorify themselves or to honor God and/or help others? What difference does it make? Are there any acceptable strings tied to gifts? Does generous giving by persons we know encourage us to do the same?
Ron wrote the following response.
--Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Rev. Ron Tellefson,
CFRE, is an ELCA Pastor and is President of Enrichment Ministries.
Gig Harbor, WA
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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Your Amazing Gift of Faithful Stewardship
In this letter of Pacific Lutheran theological Seminary article, thanks is given to contributors. In the article, Paul Evenson lifts up how the benefits that come to the giver.
He states: "The giver is often the greatest receiver. Helping others through charitable expression lifts our spirits. One of the best feelings in life is to know that you have assisted another person. This is true, even if the recipient has no knowledge of the identity of his or her benefactor. This lifting of spirits applies to parents, and children, young and old alike."
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Article
Author: Paul T. Evenson,
Director of Development, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Paul Evenson
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Everyday ethics: Where does guilt over the bill begin?
Stewardship has direct bearing on the ethics of consumption. The question raised in this article is: "Should diners feel guilty for spending $300 per person for dinner?"
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Article
Author: Jeremy Eggers is a writer for the Star-Tribune. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Minnesota. He has taught courses in media ethics at several universities.
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Resources
© Copyright 2004 Star Tribune. Republished with permission of Star Tribune, Minneapolis-St. Paul. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of Star Tribune.
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What's An Old Word Like "Steward" Doing Around Here?
In the newsletter to the congregation, Pastor Lee lifts up Biblical references to Steward:
...Partners of God in caring for the created order
...Stewards of the earths resources
...Stewards of ourselves
...Stewards of God's Word
...Stewards of the common good
...Stewards of the ministry of the Gospel
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Article
Author: Jon R. Lee is the Senior Pastor at King of Glory Lutheran Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, 6411 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75240-6455
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Rev. Jon Lee
Glory Notes biweekly newsletter
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Of What Charges? (Luke 16:1-2)
This article concerns the so-called "dishonest" steward. Lygre argues that the "dishonest" steward is unfairly charged with squandering the owner's resources and is no less honest than the owner himself.
The parable has attracted more attention over the years than other parables is relevant to stewardship.
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Article
Author: John G. Lygre is the Senior Stewardship Officer at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Biblical Theology Bulletin
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Stewarding Relationships
Christian stewards are expectred to care for each other. We need to be good stewards in the words we use.
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Article
Author: Brad Reiners is an Associate Vice-President for Planned Giving at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Brad Reiners - BReiners@luthersem.edu
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Pastor, Do You Know What Your People Give?
"There are a variety of reasons I think the pastor should know what the people are giving but none more important than to help our people know the joy of giving with great generosity and responding to the mission that Jesus Christ has set before each of our congregations."
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary Langness ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader
Posted: 6/23/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Gary Langness
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A Covenant of Christian Stewardship
A Christian Stewards Declaration of Belief
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Article
Author: Jeff Kjellberg is a stewardship consultant with Kairos.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Kairos and Associates a national resource development firm headquartered in St. Paul, MN. To learn more about their ministries click on http://www.kairosandassociates.com [KAIROS.]
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Major Issues Facing People
Rolf reflects on his pastoral experiences with the people he serves and the need and hunger they have for help with financial issues.
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Article
Author: Rolf Olson is pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, MN.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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10-10-80
A formula for giving, saving and spending.
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Article
Author: Gary Anderson,
senior pastor at Incarnation Lutheran Church in North Oaks, Minn.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
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Are You an Owner or a Renter?
Brian Malison contrasts the difference in attitude between those who are owners and those who are renters. He invites people who are owners to take their ownership seriously and those who are renters to exchange short-term leases and become owners.
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Article
Author: Pr. Brian Malison is a pastor at Christ Lutheran, Visalia, CA.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Resources
© Brian@clcvisalia.org [Brian Malison]
3830 W Tulare Ave
Visalia, CA 93277
559-732-1851
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: Catch the Vision! Claim the Promise!
This article for the congregation's newsletter interprets the theme and logo the congregation used during a funding appeal in May 2005 to remove its debt.
The vision for the congregation is to be free from its debt so as to expand its mission.
The logo depicts open hands reaching up toward a butterfly! Throughout the Easter season, the messages continue to utilize the transformational metaphor of a butterfly to describe the power of the resurrection in individual lives.
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Article
Author: Rev. Kristin Foster is the pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Grove, MN.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© krmafo@yahoo.com [Kristin Foster]
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Financial Stewardship: A Three-Legged Stool
The three legs on the stool are:
1) A specific percentage from our income
2) The accumulated assets that we have
3) The importance of the faithfulness in using and investing the financial assets we have been given.
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Article
Author: Dan Carlson
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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Strengthen Mission ~ Simplify your Finances
Household financial resource that serves mission of church
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Article
Author: Dan Carlson
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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Who is Welcome Here?
Healthy congregations have a climate that fosters loving relationships. Healthy congregations are hospitable, welcoming and reflect the graciousness of God.
Generosity thrives best in healthy, hospitable congregations.
I saw the following posted on a wall at Custer Lutheran Church.
--Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Pastor Chuck Hazlett, who served Custer Lutheran Fellowship, Custer, SD from 1978 - 1998
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Resources
© Pastor Chuck Hazlett, Custer Lutheran Fellowship, Custer, SD
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Demonstrating Stewardship in Ways Kids Understand
An example on how to teach stewardship to youth and children. To view additonal resources, click on: STEWARDSHIP SEEDS: Ideas for Planting Stewardship in the Hearts of Our Youth.
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Article
Author: Susan M. Erschen,
Director of Stewardship Education, Archdiocese of St. Louis, 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Archdiocese of St. Louis See bottom of article regarding permission for use
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A Money Autobiography
A money autobiography is a reflection process on the role and influence of money and material possessions in our lives. It challenges us to explore the past to see how our attitudes, assumptions, and values concerning money and wealth were formed.
It is a tool for your benefit. The reflection questions help you ponder on the place of money and material possessions in your life.
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Article
Author: Dan R. Dick is the Research Manager for the New Solutions Teamat the General Board of Discipleship.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, PO Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203-0003; telephone: 615-340-7077; Stewardship Web Site www.gbod.org/stewardship. All rights reserved. You may reproduce this article in its entirety for nonprofit use with the inclusion of this complete copyright notice.
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"Discipleship Beginnings"
The following article describes new member orientation practices at Prairie Lutheran Church. The new member class is an event organized to teach the meaning of being a disciple.
Discipleship is based on Acts 2:42-46 and comprises five "Holy Habits"; worship, learning, giving, serving, and prayer.
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Article
Author: Rev. Joel M. Quie is the senior pastor at Prairie Lutheran Church, 11000 Blossom Rd. Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Rev. Joel M. Quie, Prairie Lutheran Church, 11000 Blossom Rd. Eden Prairie, MN 55347
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Charateristics of a Generous Steward
Eight characteristics of generous stewards are identified.
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Article
Author: Jeff Kjellberg is a stewardship counselor with Kairos, a national resource development firm.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Kairos a national resource development firm headquartered in St. Paul, MN. To learn more about their ministries click on http://www.kairosandassociates.com
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A Lesson About Stewardship from an American Classic
The author explores stewardship in the light of a story about a community of the faithful working together and giving out of its shared abundance.
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Article
Author: Beth Helgen is the Communications Director for the St.Paul Area Minnesota Synod, ELCA and is a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Minneapolis, MN.
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© St. Paul Area Synod ELCA, FAITHLINK
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Money and Mission Stewardship Interview: A Parish Pastor
A form that lays out several questions that can be used to assess the stewardship knowledge of a pastor.
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Article
Author: Glenn Taibl,
Stewardship Pastor, Incarnation Lutheran Church, Shoreview, MN
Posted: 6/13/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© gtaibl@incarnationmn.org [Glenn Taibl]
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Giving God's Way: a Look at Biblical Priorities
Being a good steward involves more than simply contributing to the local congregation. How the congregation manages our contributions – or, more accurately, how we direct the congregation to manage our contributions – matters, too. It's important to distinguish between our priorities and God's.
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Article
Author: Allison K. Schmitt is a recent graduate of Luther Seminary and will be serving in Jerusalem as communication assistant to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land later in 2008.
Posted: 6/11/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Allison K. Schmitt
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Outlaw Chick Little Thinking
A scarcity mindset is the root of bad attitudes. Sanders declares that this type of thinking ought to be outlawed in every organization.
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Article
Author: Tim Sanders is an author, a blogger, business motivational speaker; Sanders has served as Yahoo's Leadership coach, and has developed audio and video broadcast ventures for a variety of clients.
Posted: 6/9/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Tim Sanders
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"Mange Takk" (many thanks)
The following talk by Joe Hogander is a compelling story about generous giving out that is rooted in deep gratitude.
Joe tells about his Grandfather "Lars", his life, his ministry and the reason why the family has been moved to give a gift in thanksgiving for him.
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Article
Author: Joe Hognander was a career Naval Officer, a recent Trustee at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis and is a personal financial coach for Luther seminarians.
Posted: 6/3/2008
Theme: Resources
© Joe Hognander
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On Offerings and Auctions
Gary L. Langness describes the offering tradition in Tanzania: "They all came, from the youngest to the oldest ... they all had something to give ... and the good news is so do we!"
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Article
Author: Gary L. Langness is an ELCA Pastor, stewardship leader and integral member of the Bega Kwa Bega partnership.
Posted: 5/14/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Gary L. Langness
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Meditation on Time
A Poem by Horatio Bonar
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Article
Author: Horatio Bonar, Scottish Preacher, Hymn writer and composer, 1808-1880
Posted: 5/7/2008
Theme: Resources
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It all depends on whose hand it's in.
Whats in your hands?
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Article
Author: Unknown
Posted: 5/7/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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I Am Your Church Budget
A Poem by your Church budget.
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Article
Author: Unknown
Posted: 5/7/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Commercialism: A Social Statement of the Lutheran Church in America
Commercialism, the selling of goods or services in the name of the church, with the purpose of securing funds for the operation and mission of the church, its auxiliaries, and church-related institutions, vitiates the clear relationship between the giving of the Christian and the mission of the church. It fails to bear testimony to the mission of the church and creates a false image of the church.
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Article
Author: Lutheran Church in America
Posted: 4/21/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Adopted by the Lutheran Church in America at Its Second Biennial Convention, Pittsburgh, PA., July 2-9, 1964
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The 'M' Words
Reflections on living deeply in the Myth of Scarcity
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Article
Author: Meta S. Herrick will graduate with an MDiv from Luther Seminary in May 2008.
Posted: 4/18/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© mherrick@luthersem.edu [Meta S. Herrick]
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: The Resurrection of the Body
This was printed in the congregation's newsletter in August, 1998 one month after a fire caused when on July 14, 1998, lightning struck the bell tower and burned their building to the ground.
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Article
Author: Rev. Kristin Foster is pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN.
Posted: 4/17/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Kristin Foster Email: krmafo@yahoo.com
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OF WEALTH AND WORTH
"Being wealthy offers unique opportunities (and challenges) for us to demonstrate our understanding of biblical stewardship."
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Article
Author: Bradley O. Reiners,
JD, CFRE is an Associate Vice President for Planned Giving at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 4/17/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Bradley O. Reiners, JD, CFRE, Associate Vice President for Planned Giving, Email: breiners@luthersem.edu
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Generosity at Starbucks
Matt Dobyns tells this story of an experience he had that taught him about what generosity is and what it is not.
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Article
Author: Matthew Dobyns will graduate with an MDiv from Luther Seminary in May 2008.
Posted: 4/5/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Matthew Dobyns
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A More Excellent Way
George Haynes shares wisdom on how to effectively communicate with people in your congregation.
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Article
Author: George Haynes was ordained in 1951 and is currently a mission developer for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rockport, Texas. He is an ELCA Stewardship key leader.
Posted: 4/3/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© George Haynes,
P.O. Box 301,
109 Peach Tree Drive,
Rockport TX 78381
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It Is Time To Bury The Budget
Some helpful suggestions for developing a narrative presentation of ministries and mission and a mission investment plan.
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Article
Author: George Haynes was ordained in 1951 and is currently a mission developer for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rockport, Texas. He is an ELCA Stewardship key leader.
Posted: 4/3/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© George Haynes
P.O. Box 301
109 Peach Tree Drive
Rockport TX 78381
E-mail: haynes@charter.net
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Stewardship 101
Rev. Haynes is an excellent communicator. The following presentation is directed to the person who has little if any understanding of stewardship.
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Article
Author: George Haynes was ordained in 1951 and is currently a mission developer for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rockport, Texas. He is an ELCA Stewardship key leader.
Posted: 4/3/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© George Haynes,
P.O. Box 301,
109 Peach Tree Drive,
Rockport TX 78381
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Inform Your People and Celebrate Your Ministries
George Haynes is an experienced, wise and practical communicator. Here are suggestions worth considering.
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Article
Author: George Haynes was ordained in 1951 and is currently a mission developer for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rockport, Texas. He is an ELCA Stewardship key leader.
Posted: 4/3/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© George Haynes
P.O. Box 301
109 Peach Tree Drive
Rockport TX 78381
E-mail: haynes@charter.net
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light (5)
Newsletter article
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church's pastoral staff wrote five articles for the congregation's newsletter, the Mount Olivet Weekly Visitor, for this stewardship campaign. Following is Paul Youngdahl's contribution to the series, which appeared in the Sept. 4, 2003, edition.
For a full overview of this stewardship series, click on
Mount Olivet stewardship.
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Article
Author: Paul M. Youngdahl is senior pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Posted: 3/12/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Olivet Lutheran Church,
5025 Knox Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light (4)
Newsletter article
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church's pastoral staff wrote five articles for the congregation's newsletter, the Mount Olivet Weekly Visitor, for this stewardship campaign. Following is James Anderson's contribution to the series, which appeared in the Aug. 28, 2003, edition.
For a full overview of this stewardship series, click on
Mount Olivet stewardship.
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Article
Author: James R. Anderson is a pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Posted: 3/12/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Olivet Lutheran Church,
5025 Knox Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light (3)
Newsletter article
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church's pastoral staff and parishioners wrote five articles for the congregation's newsletter, the Mount Olivet Weekly Visitor, for this stewardship campaign. Following is Mike Zacher's contribution to the series, which appeared in the Aug. 21, 2003, edition.
For a full overview of this stewardship series, click on
Mount Olivet stewardship.
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Article
Author: Michael W. Zacher is a member of the stewardship committee of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Posted: 3/12/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Olivet Lutheran Church,
5025 Knox Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light (2)
Newsletter article
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church's pastoral staff and parishioners wrote five articles for the congregation's newsletter, the Mount Olivet Weekly Visitor, for this stewardship campaign. Following is Dale Peterson's contribution to the series, which appeared in the Aug. 14, 2003, edition.
For a full overview of this stewardship series, click on
Mount Olivet stewardship.
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Article
Author: Dale R. Peterson is pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Posted: 3/12/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Olivet Lutheran Church,
5025 Knox Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light (1)
Newsletter article
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church's pastoral staff wrote five articles for the congregation's newsletter, the Mount Olivet Weekly Visitor, for this stewardship campaign. Following is Stephen Cornils' contribution, which appeared in the July 31, 2003, edition.
For a full overview of this stewardship series, click on
Mount Olivet stewardship.
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Article
Author: Pastor Stephen J. Cornils is pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minn.
Posted: 3/12/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Olivet Lutheran Church,
5025 Knox Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 5541 55419-1095
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The Joy of Giving
Mark Quade reflects on Christmas and tells the story about when he was 12 found and returned a wallet that contained a large sum of cash. The recipient was full of gratitude and in return Mark experienced the joy of giving.
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Article
Author: Mark Quade is an ELCA stewardship specialist based in La Crosse, Wis.
Posted: 3/6/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Salt Seasonings v03.12
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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The Secrets of Stewardship
Notes from Presentation
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Article
Author: Ben Harder, stewardship consultant
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Ben Harder
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CAN YOU BE A DISHONEST STEWARD?
Stewardship includes the responsibility of church leaders to manage the resources well to spread the joy of the gospel. When church leaders don't do that, they are dishonest stewards.
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Article
Author: Sara A. Barnaby has her Masters in Leadership from Luther Seminary 2003 and is a Financial Consultant for Churches and Non-profits, Anrias Inc. Email: Anrias@aol.com
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Sara Barnaby
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"Sharing Stewardship Tools for Building Up the Body of Christ"
The Eastern Minnesota Resource Center
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
From complete stewardship programs and guides to Bible studies and hands-on ideas or activities, the Eastern Minnesota Resource Center has many resources that will help your congregation grow in their understanding of stewardship. Set up like a lending library, your phone call, email, fax, or drop-in will result in quality resources that will help you create and implement stewardship programming. Go and explore their resources.
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Article
Author: Sister Noreen Stevens was the Director of the Eastern Minnesota Resource Center.
Email: nstevens@luthersem.edu
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Resources
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I AM GLAD MY CHURCH NEEDS MONEY
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Article
Author: Unknown
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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"Try a Tithe Sunday—May 23, 2004"
Pastor Steffenson encourages his congregation to try tithing for one Sunday.
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Article
Author: Rev. Dave Steffenson is a pastor at First Lutheran Church, Little Falls, MN.
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Pastor Dave Steffenson
Newsletter Article
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Motivations of Donors
In the Feb. 10, 2004 email newsletter, "What Gives? Why Are Strings Attached to Gifts?", I raised the following questions:
Do most people give to glorify themselves or to honor God and/or help others? What difference does it make? Are there any acceptable strings tied to gifts? Does generous giving by persons we know encourage us to do the same?
Kevin wrote the following response.
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Article
Author: Kevin J. Meyer is pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, The Woodlands, TX 77381
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Pastor Kevin J. Meyer, EMAIL: pastork@ev1.net
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ROBIN'S STORY
My Parents Were Examples
Robin Doctor's parents shaped her stewardship practices and theology.
When I asked her to write about it, Robin responded, "You've asked me to do one of my favorite things: talk about my family and childhood. Your initial question to me was how my family shaped my thoughts and what difference has that made in my life! I will tell you, unabashedly, it has made all the difference in the world!"
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Article
Author: Robin Doctor is currently a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Evergreen, Colorado. She is the church council and chair the stewardship committee. 11/1/2004
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Robin Doctor, 4059 Histead Way, Evergreen, CO, 80439; E-Mail: ROBINdoctor@mvalaw.com
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The Red Velvet Chair
Reflections on a legacy a man left behind.
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary Langness
Posted: 3/4/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Gary Langness
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light (11)
Pledge-renewal letter
Before Thanksgiving, those members who made a financial pledge for the current year but have not yet pledged for the next are sent this letter. In it they're told their pledge will be renewed at the current level unless they inform the church otherwise.
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Article
Author: Paul M. Youngdahl is senior pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Posted: 2/28/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
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Stewardship of the Earth: A Theological Perspective
"Sins against the environment," writes Don Wisner, "are actions motivated often by greed and usually by self-centeredness that break the bond between humans and the land. To scar the earth is to scar the harmony God intended."
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Article
Author: Don Wisner is a visiting professor of worship at Luther Seminary and was formerly pastor at University Lutheran Church, an ELCA campus ministry in Eau Claire, Wisc.
Posted: 2/27/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Don Wisner Contact him at dwisner@luthersem.edu for permission to use this essay.
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Unity and Diversity in Stewardship Preaching
An outline of a presentation regarding stewardship preaching.
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Article
Author: David J. Lose is the Academic Dean &
The Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 2/27/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© David J. Lose
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The State of Generosity
This article is in this weekly series that is designed to help you think, talk, and teach about money using the Share Save Spend TM philosophy. Printing and posting the following column in a visible place like the refrigerator door, classroom or office can be a great way to stimulate financial conversations with your family and friends. If you like what you see, forward this column to a friend.
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Article
Author: Nathan Dungan
Posted: 2/27/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Nathan Dungan
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A Daring Rescue — Reclaiming Stewardship from "Paying The Bills"
Too often stewardship is tied to the congregation's need to "pay the bills."
In this article, originally published in The Living Pulpit magazine, Rev. Charles Lane prescribes what can be done to rectify this corruption of a biblical understanding of stewardship.
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Article
Author: The Rev. Charles R. Lane is director for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Stewardship Key Leader program and the author of "Ask, Thank, Tell."
Posted: 2/27/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© The Living Pulpit, July-September 2006, Volume 15, No. 3
www.pulpit.org
E-mail: custsvc_pulpit@fulcoinc.com
1-866-545-4311
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Made, Not Born: Becoming An Environmental Steward
Water shapes the life of pastor, fly-fishing guide and environmental steward Don Wisner. He's developed a rich theology and a deep desire to share his love with his grandchildren, students, the church and all people. He quotes Thomas Aquinas, who said that there are two responses we can offer to the gift of creation: awe and gratitude.
"Awe is often a reflexive response to the sights we fishers are privileged to see," he writes. "When it comes to gratitude, sometime we need to be reminded, like I remind my grandsons, 'Now what do you say?' and they chorus, 'Thank you.' If we listen carefully, we might hear the waters whisper, 'You are welcome.'"
Wisner presented his essay at the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expos in Chicago and Minneapolis in early 2007.
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Article
Author: Don Wisner is a visiting professor of worship at Luther Seminary and was formerly pastor at University Lutheran Church, an ELCA campus ministry in Eau Claire, Wisc.
Posted: 2/27/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Contact dwisner@luthersem.edu to use this essay.
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Gifts from Heaven ... Rivers of Light:
50 Years of Consistent Stewardship at Mount Olivet
On Dec. 4, 2003, I met Paul Youngdahl for breakfast. I have known Paul since the days we went to college and seminary together. We spent a few moments sharing memories and recent contacts we had with classmates.
I was aware that the stewardship emphasis at Mount Olivet was quite predictable and I desired to know more about it. When I mentioned that observation, Paul chuckled and said, "We have been doing the same thing for 50 years. The process has been refined. But 'if it is not broke, why fix it?'"
Paul graciously told me about it and gave a packet of material. What follows is a description of the process. Click on referenced resources to access them.
- Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Paul M. Youngdahl is the senior pastor at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn.
Posted: 2/20/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Paul M. Youngdahl,
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church,
5025 Knox Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
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Mission Starts with Stewardship and Five Small Stones (Session 1 of 3)
This lesson is the first of three prepared by Dr. Bliese for adult studies in a variety of congregational settings. Each lesson includes a presentation that may be reproduced and distributed to participants.
The story of David and Goliath is about how to do mission. It is about leadership in mission and how this leadership emerges from the most unlikely places. This story is also about faith and stewardship. Mission and stewardship are linked in this story in fascinating ways.
Download the Microsoft PowerPoint slide presentation here.
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Article
Author: Rev. Dr. Richard H. Bliese, President of Luther Seminary and Professor of Mission. Click on PROFILE for more information.
Posted: 2/19/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© A joint project of the Center for Lifelong Learning and Stewardship in the 21st Century, Luther Seminary, St.Paul, Minn.
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Will Our Children Be Stewards?
The present practices in many congregations assures that the answer to the question raised is "No."
Terry Parsons is one of those bright lights who is a strong advocate for the well-being of children. She offers concrete suggestions on what congregations can do to assure that the answer to the question is "Yes."
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Article
Author: Terry Parsons is the stewardship officer of congregational development for the Episcopal Church.
Posted: 2/14/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Terry Parsons
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God's Stewardship of Time: Stewardship in Families
Marilyn Sharpe indicates how the careful stewardship of time will provide opportunities to engage the four keys for nurturing faith:
1. Caring conversations
2. Family devotions
3. Rituals and traditions
4. Family service
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Article
Author: Marilyn Sharpe is director of Christian Parenting and Intergenerational Ministry at the Youth and Family Institute in Bloomington, Minn.
Posted: 1/21/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Logos Productions, 1-800-328-0200
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Better than Cherry Pie
Being a steward means being a conduit through which God's is poured out to the neighbor. We are called reflect God's love for us by expressing love to our neighbor.
In this article, Mark Peterson applauds Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical. "In this fine piece of writing, the pontiff articulates the centrality of love for the neighbor, grounded in a fundamental understanding of God's primal, enduring and self-giving love for each of us," Peterson writes.
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Article
Author: Mark Peterson is CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota.
Posted: 1/16/2008
Theme: Resources
© Mark Peterson
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The National Gift Crisis
This year give a gift to a loved one that will make a difference in the world!
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Article
Author: Rob Blezard, editor and webmaster, Stewardship of Life
Posted: 1/3/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© The Rev. Robert Blezard, www.stewardshipoflife.org [Stewardship of Life] Used by permission.
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What then should we do?
Luke 3:10-14
During the Christmas Season, let us stop and take a look back to the teachings of John the Baptist.
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Article
Author: Rob Blezard, editor and webmaster, Stewardship of Life
Posted: 1/3/2008
Theme: Resources
© The Rev. Robert Blezard, www.stewardshipoflife.org [Stewardship of Life] Used by permission.
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Fight the real 'War on Christmas'
The real War on Christmas is not whether "Merry Christmas" gets edged out of the crass commercial marketplace, those houses of material worship where people spend way too much money on stuff they really don't need. The real War on Christmas is the growing reality in the culture that the shopping and the decorations and the over-consumption is actually the major part of the celebration of Christmas.
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Article
Author: Rob Blezard, editor and Stewardship of Life
Posted: 1/3/2008
Theme: Resources
© The Rev. Robert Blezard, www.stewardshipoflife.org [Stewardship of Life] Used by permission.
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A Life of Joy
The story that follows is an occasion in the ministry of Rev. John Schreiber in which a woman's pledge was beyond anything her pastor thought she could afford. She not only gives generously, but demonstrates that doing so can be a source of joy.
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Article
Author: Mark Quade is an ELCA stewardship specialist based in La Crosse, Wis.
Posted: 11/30/2007
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© 2003 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631.
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More or Less: Sacrificial Giving
This is an article "sacrificial giving" write for Our Savior's Lutheran Church parish paper, following the kick-off event for a capital campaign.
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Article
Author: Les Svendsen is the senior pastor at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
Posted: 6/4/2007
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Les Svendsen, senior pastor
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
909 West Thirty-third Street
Sioux Falls SD 57105
605 336-2942
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Considerations Regarding Commercialism in the Church
Fund raising policy as advocated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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Article
Author: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Posted: 5/29/2007
Theme:
© © 2006, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
All rights reserved.
Permission is granted to congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to reproduce this resource.
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Good Work Done and More to Do
The following address was delivered at the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Development and Institutional Advancement Program (DIAP) of the Association of Theological Schools.
DIAP seeks to educate and support professional development officers and staff who are engaged in theological education.
Although the audience consisted mainly of development officers from theological schools, Aleshire's remarks are pertinent for all stewardship leaders.
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Article
Author: Daniel Aleshire is the executive director of The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
Posted: 3/28/2007
Theme: Resources
© Daniel Aleshire
The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1103
Phone: 412-788-6505, Ext. 246
Fax: 412-788-6510
Web site: http://www.ats.edu
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Ben's Story of Hope
This is a story about a 10-year-old who celebrated his birthday by making a difference in the lives of others.
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Article
Author: From the website of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church,
Excelsior, Minn.
Posted: 3/23/2007
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Excelsior, Minn.
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The Pigsty Myth
Scott Searl did some research on the etymology of the word "steward" and discovered that the often-cited story about the origin of the word steward as being one who was responsible for the care of pigs is erroneous.
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Article
Author: Scott Searl is Pastor of Faith Formation & Stewardship at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, Minn.
Posted: 3/14/2007
Theme: Resources
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The Economics Underlying Stewardship: Creation and Distribution of Wealth
The following is Economics 101 for clergy by a Christian businessman and economist who believes that many clergy criticize business without really understanding and having an appreciation for how capitalism works.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Richards states: "It seems to me that your role as clergy is to (1) embrace the business firm as the church's natural ally, (2) celebrate the important role that your congregants in the business world play in society, (3) empathize with them as they face challenges and opportunities which all humans face, and (4) thereby you become more effective in the transformational work to which God has called you as a pastor."
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Article
Author: Robert R. Richards, an economist currently serving on the Investment Committee of Global Partnerships, a lecturer in economics at U of Washington, member of Association of Christian Economists.
Posted: 11/27/2006
Theme: Resources
© Robert R. Richards
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What Good Stewards Do
In this newsletter article, Pastor Groder, encourages his congregation to be good stewards.
He challenges them by holding up the example of sacrifical giving in a parish he served in Bouar, Central African Republic.
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Article
Author: John Groder is pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church, Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois.
Posted: 11/23/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© John Groder, in Grace Notes, monthly newsletter of Augustana Lutheran Church of Hyde Park, 5500 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Il 60637
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LUTHER SEMINARY BOOKSTORE
TOLL-FREE 1-800-541-4187
FAX 651-641-3441
Local Phone: 651-641-3440
HTTP://www.luthersem.edu/bookstore
EMAIL: bookstore@luthersem.edu
Mail, Fax and EMail orders receive top priority
Accepts: Visa, MasterCard and Discover
Store discounts range from 1% to 30%, usually 25%
Location:
1490 Fulham Street
St.Paul, MN 55108
PLAN AHEAD: Normal delivery time from most publishers is 3 weeks.
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Article
Author: E-mail: bookstore@luthersem.edu
Posted: 11/21/2006
Theme: Resources
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It's Not Supposed to Hurt
When you go to a doctor for your annual check-up, he or she will often begin to poke, prod, and press various places, all the while asking, "Does this hurt' How about this'" If you cry out in pain, one of two things has happened. Either the doctor has pushed too hard, without the right sensitivity. Or, more likely, there's something wrong, and the doctor will say, "We'd better do some more tests. It's not supposed to hurt there!" So it is when pastors preach on financial responsibility, and certain members cry out in discomfort, criticizing the message and the messenger. Either the pastor has pushed too hard. Or perhaps there's something wrong. In that case, I say, "My friend, we're in need of the Great Physician because it's not supposed to hurt there."
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Article
Author: Ben Rogers
Posted: 11/20/2006
Theme:
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The Stewardship of Church Music
Session 3 - Broken to the Sacraments
"This is a point at which the musician faces one of the church's most acute temptations, namely, to think the prayer or the sacrifice – in this case the musical sacrifice – has merit and can gain favor with God. . . But no matter what we bring or how well or poorly we bring it . . . our goodness or lack of goodness cannot get us into God's presence. God chooses to come to us. We are so curved in on ourselves that we cannot even choose God, let alone do anything worthy of God's presence no matter how good we think it is. And just here is yet another amazing thing. God turns everything around and graces us. We speak and sing poor human words, but God turns them around and gives us the Word. We bring our bread and wine, but God turns them around and gives us Christ's body and blood. It appears that worship is our giving. God freely turns it into our receiving."
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Article
Author: Paul Westermeyer is a Professor of Church Music at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 10/23/2006
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© A joint project by Center for Lifelong Learning and Stewardship in the 21st Century, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
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The Stewardship of Church Music:
Session 2 - Broken to the Word
What the church does at worship is not fundamentally about music. Music may figure quite heavily in worship, but music is not the central thing. The central thing at worship is God meeting the people. If music gets in the way of that encounter, it has overstepped its bounds and tried to take the place of God. We call this idolatry. Part of the musician's stewarding role is to guard against this danger.
The author then proceeds to identify musics proper role in worship.
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Article
Author: Paul Westermeyer is a Professor of Church Music at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 10/23/2006
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© A joint project by Center for Lifelong Learning and Stewardship in the 21st Century, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
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The Stewardship of Church Music
Session 1 - General Considerations
"Stewards have the responsibility for a gift entrusted to their care. So it is with the church musician. Music is a very powerful gift. Musicians can easily turn it to less than positive ends and betray their trust. They can use it for their own glorification. They can use it to manipulate people. They can use it to amass money or gifts or praise. They can do any number of things which call attention to themselves, to their technical prowess, their skills, or their voices. These temptations are as great, or greater, than those associated with other vocations. Christian teaching tells us that we are called to refuse such temptations. We are to use the gifts with which we have been entrusted for the glory of God and the well-being of others. . ."
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Article
Author: Paul Westermeyer is a Professor of Church Music at Luther Seminary.
Posted: 10/23/2006
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© A joint project by Center for Lifelong Learning and Stewardship in the 21st Century, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
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I'll Be A Better Steward When ...
"You have enough to be a steward, and God can be trusted to lead you there."
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Article
Author: Peter Velander served as leader of the Logos Productions leadership team.
Posted: 8/17/2006
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Logos Productions, 1-800-328-0200
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Your Gifts Make a Difference
George Barna has written, "People no longer give to the church simply because it is the church. The church must prove it is worthy of donations through the mark it leaves on the world."
St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church does this task exceptionally well. Each weekly newsletter features a front-page article under the banner "Your Gifts Make a Difference."
In addition to these written messages, similar messages are announced. Below are a few examples of the messages conveyed.
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Article
Author: Staff, St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447
Posted: 8/11/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
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Thank You, Pastor, for Saying "Thank you" (Part 2)
One week, Gary and Carol Langness received two "thank you" letters from their pastor. The second one really made an impression on Gary.
A letter of this type is very unusual. This letter was a thank you for a gift they had given to a ministry outside the congregation.
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Article
Author: Rev. Gary Langness is a retired ELCA pastor but continues ministering as a stewardship consultant, preacher and leader. E-mail: gcljumbo@comcast.net
Posted: 8/7/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Gary Langness
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The Good $ense Budget Course
Nancy Carlson enthusiastically endorses and teaches the course developed by Willow Creek called Good $ense. She testifies:
"When my husband and I first took Good $ense, we had a truck payment, boat payment and car payment and two children almost in college. We realized we were being foolish with our resources and so to get out of debt, we sold the boat, sold the truck and paid off the car. We started saving. This spring, when my 80-year-old mother said that she was tired of living alone after being a widow for 11 years, we were able to buy a different house for our family and my mom to live in. It is through following the principles outlined in Good $ense and with God's help that we were able to make the move and to be so blessed.
"Another couple started their marriage with $55,000 in debt and through God's help and Good $ense have paid off most of that debt. They were able to adopt a child they met while on Mission: Jamaica."
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Article
Author: Nancy Carlson is on the staff as the Director of Stewardship and Marketing at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Maple Grove, MN. Her phone number is 763-420-5015 ext 108.
Posted: 8/4/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Willow Creek Association • P.O. Box 3188 • Barrington, Illinois 60011-3188 Phone: (847) 765-0070 • Fax: (847) 765-5046. Go to http://www.goodsenseministry.com to access the resources.
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Living on Purpose – Index
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Article
Author:
Posted: 7/28/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church
17205 Cty Road 6
Plymouth, MN 55447
763-475-7128
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Living on Purpose – Sample Exercises from Living on Purpose Workshop
This gives samples of the exercises participants are invited to follow as they develop their whole life faith mission statement.
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Article
Author: Cheryl Mathison is the Teaching Pastor at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church.
Posted: 5/24/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447 - 763-475-7128
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Living on Purpose - Fully Devoted - 40 Days of Lent
This article informs and invites the congregation to continue or join a focus on "Living on Purpose" during the season of Lent.
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Article
Author: Cheryl Mathison is the Teaching Pastor at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church.
Posted: 5/24/2006
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Cheryl Mathison, St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447 - 763-475-7128
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Motives for Giving
In the Feb. 10, 2004 email newsletter, "What Gives? Why Are Strings Attached to Gifts?", I raised the following questions:
Do most people give to glorify themselves or to honor God and/or help others? What difference does it make? Are there any acceptable strings tied to gifts? Does generous giving by persons we know encourage us to do the same?
Harris responded with the following comments:
--Jerry Hoffman
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Article
Author: Rev. Harris Lee although retired he continues to faithfully serve the church. At present, Harris is a key stewardship leader for the ELCA, Clergy Coach and a consultant. EMAIL: leexx229@tc.umn.edu
Posted: 3/7/2006
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
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A Holistic Model of Ministry with the Aging:
Implications of Stewardship in Ministry with the Aging
"When using stewardship as a model for developing a holistic ministry with older adults, the unique gifts of the church cannot be overlooked. They must be incorporated and used as an integrating spiritual component to ministry. This needs to be intentional to be holistic. Stewardship, as a model, can bring tangible characteristics of a holistic ministry for older adults, such as assessment of need, inclusion of older adults in creating ministry, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and the recognition of the seeking out individuals with specific gifts to serve in leadership and board positions. Most of all, stewardship gives us many intangible characteristics that are helpful in creating a holistic ministry with older adults."
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Article
Author: Martha Baker as part of an Independent Study with Dr. Melvin Kimble, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN
Posted: 11/21/2005
Theme: Resources
© Martha Baker
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A STEWARDSHIP TEACHER OF MINE
Pastor Langness has a deep love for the people in Tanzania. IN his retirement, he is and will be spending time among them. This article was written after returning home from his trip in March 2003.
Gary serves the church in Tanzania by helping it teach the people the joy of giving. While teaching, he ends up the one being taught.
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Article
Author: Gary Langness is a retired pastor, stewardship leader and a frequent contributor to Stewardship for the Twenty First Century
Posted: 11/21/2005
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Rev. Gary Langness
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Session 3: Communion: The Great Stewardship Meal
Learning Stewardship through the Catechism
This lesson is the third of three prepared by Dr. Bliese for adult studies in a variety settings in congregations. Each lesson includes a presentation that may be reproduced and distributed among participants.
The Eucharist models stewardship! This lesson focuses not just on "the offering" as the stewardship rite in worship service, but the whole communion liturgy, including the offering, as a stewardship meal. An understanding of discipleship and stewardship can be taught, not once or twice a year, but every Sunday in the worship service. Stewardship is an every Sunday affair.
Download the Microsoft PowerPoint slide presentation here.
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Article
Author: Rev. Dr. Richard H. Bliese, President of Luther Seminary and Professor of Mission. Click on PROFILE
Posted: 11/7/2005
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Joint Project: Centered Life Learning and Stewardship in the 21st Century, Luther Seminary, St.Paul, MN
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Session 2: Stewardship is About Exchanging Gifts...And about Relationships
This lesson is the second of three prepared by Dr. Bliese for adult studies in a variety settings in congregations. Each lesson includes a presentation that may be reproduced and distributed among participants.
Stewardship is about relationships. The lesson uses three stories that focus on the relational character of exchanging gifts. These "gifts" bind us together as people. Three dynamics of relationships are the rule of GIVING, the rule of RECEIVING, and the rule of APPROPRIATE RESPONSE. These three rules help make sense of the dynamics of living relationally as disciples of Jesus Christ both in the Body of Christ and in the world.
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Article
Author: Rev. Dr. Richard H. Bliese, President of Luther Seminary and Professor of Mission. Click on PROFILE for more.
Posted: 11/4/2005
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Joint Project: Centered Life Learning and Stewardship in the 21st Century, Luther Seminary, St.Paul, MN
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MOUNTAIN IRON FAITH: Messiah Lutheran Church
July 14, 1998, lightning struck the bell tower at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mountain Iron, MN. The following series of articles touches on the story through sermons, writing, events and reflections.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman
Posted: 6/15/2005
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
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Saying Thank You -- THANK YOU
Written in response to email newsletter on saying thank you.
"Great piece on saying thank you! I recently started a stewardship communications service for Catholic pastors. Some of the brightest minds in development suggest that a donor should be thanked seven times. While this may be a tall order for some, a bit of pre-planning can go a long way in terms of conveying thanks at an adequate level in the eyes of your contributors."
--Craig Gibson
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Article
Author: Craig Gibson is a stewardship consultant with Parish Growth Partners. EMAIL: craig@parishgrowthpartners.com
Posted: 1/15/2005
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
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MYTH OF SCARCITY - DO WE REALLY NEED THESE THINGS?
In this newsletter article to the congregation, Pastor Hoffman reveals his abundance of black which dismisses any myth of scarcity he may harbor.
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Article
Author: Rev. David Hoffman, Senior Pastor at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Posted: 12/30/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Pastor David Hoffman, St. Philip the Deacon NEWS, Email: dhoffman@spdlc.org
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"Ours For the Giving"
The following is from an article in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church newsletter, "The Beacon." The author invites the reader to take time to reflect quietly and honestly about the many ways we are blessed.
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Article
Author: Pastor Mary Pechauer serves Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN.
Posted: 12/29/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Mary Pechauer, mpechauer@bethlehem-church.org
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2004 Luther Seminary Sermon Prize Winners
Each year Stewardship Sermon prizes are award to students on internship who submit a sermon they preached during internship on stewardship.
The prize is designed to enrich and strengthen the practice of stewardship in the church by advocating preaching and teaching that promotes the stewardship for financial resources.
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Article
Author: Jerry Hoffman, Coordinator for Stewardship For the 21st Century
Posted: 12/16/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
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COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS ONLY GETS YOU HALFWAY THERE
The Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches 2003 Annual Report is stunning. They used an excellent theme and told the story that both touched the heart and head.
COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS ONLY GETS YOU HALFWAY THERE
BLESSINGS WERE MEANT TO BE SHARED
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Article
Author: K. Darcy Hanzlik, GMCC Director of Communications, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, 1001 East Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407. 612-721-8687
Posted: 9/7/2004
Theme: Resources
© Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches
P.O. Box 7509
Minneapolis, MN 55407-0509
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Sacrifice
An historical story of how a town was saved by willingness of one to
sacrifice.
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Article
Author: Unknown
Posted: 7/22/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
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YOUR GIFTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Summer Worship
SUMMER WORSHIP
An example of weekly ministry that let the people know their gifts of time, talent and money make a difference.
For more information and illustrations click on YOUR GIFTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Article
Author: Rev. David Hoffman is the Senior Pastor at St.Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447.
Posted: 7/20/2004
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© St. Philip the Deacon News
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Agriculture in the Twenty-First Century - 4
PROBLEM TWO: The Structural Transformation of Agriculture
Part Four of presentation
A presentation at the 2003 Stewardship Conference:
Agriculture in the United States faces four major problems in the new century—
(1) formulation and reformulation of price and income policy;
(2) the structural transformation of the agricultural sector;
(3) consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods; and
(4) bioterrorism.
PROBLEM TWO: The Structural Transformation of Agriculture (Continued)
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Article
Author: Neal E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture,
Professor of Economics, Iowa State University. EMail: harl@iastate.edu
Posted: 1/9/2004
Theme: Resources
© Neal E. Harl
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Agriculture in the Twenty-First Century - 2
PROBLEM ONE: Price and Income Policy
Part 2
A presentation at the 2003 Stewardship Conference:
Agriculture in the United States faces four major problems in the new century—
(1) formulation and reformulation of price and income policy;
(2) the structural transformation of the agricultural sector;
(3) consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods; and
(4) bioterrorism.
In light of time constraints at this workshop, we will examine the first three of the problems.
THIS IS PROBLEM ONE: - PRICE AND INCOME POLICY
Part 2
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Article
Author: Neal E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture,
Professor of Economics, Iowa State University. EMail: harl@iastate.edu
Posted: 1/9/2004
Theme: Resources
© Neal E. Harl
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Agriculture in the Twenty-First Century - 5
PROBLEM THREE: Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods
Part Five of Six
A presentation at the 2003 Stewardship Conference:
Agriculture in the United States faces four major problems in the new century—
(1) formulation and reformulation of price and income policy;
(2) the structural transformation of the agricultural sector;
(3) consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods; and
(4) bioterrorism.
In light of time constraints at this workshop, we will examine the first three of the problems.
PROBLEM THREE: Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods
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Article
Author: Neal E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture,
Professor of Economics, Iowa State University. EMail: harl@iastate.edu
Posted: 1/7/2004
Theme: Resources
© Neal E. Harl
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Agriculture in the Twenty-First Century - 3
PROBLEM TWO: The Structural Transformation of Agriculture
Part Three of presentation
A presentation at the 2003 Stewardship Conference:
Agriculture in the United States faces four major problems in the new century—
(1) formulation and reformulation of price and income policy;
(2) the structural transformation of the agricultural sector;
(3) consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods; and
(4) bioterrorism.
PROBLEM TWO: The Structural Transformation of Agriculture
Part Three of Six
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Article
Author: Neal E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture,
Professor of Economics, Iowa State University. EMail: harl@iastate.edu
Posted: 1/7/2004
Theme: Resources
© Neal E. Harl
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Agriculture in the Twenty-First Century - 6
PROBLEM THREE: Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods
Part Six of Six
A presentation at the 2003 Stewardship Conference:
Agriculture in the United States faces four major problems in the new century—
(1) formulation and reformulation of price and income policy;
(2) the structural transformation of the agricultural sector;
(3) consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods; and
(4) bioterrorism.
In light of time constraints at this workshop, we will examine the first three of the problems.
PROBLEM THREE: Consumer Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods (Continued)
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Article
Author: Neal E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture,
Professor of Economics, Iowa State University. EMail: harl@iastate.edu
Posted: 1/7/2004
Theme: Resources
© Neal E. Harl
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Agriculture in the Twenty-First Century - 1
PROBLEM ONE: Price and Income Policy
Part 1
A presentation at the 2003 Stewardship Conference:
Agriculture in the United States faces four major problems in the new century—
(1) formulation and reformulation of price and income policy;
(2) the structural transformation of the agricultural sector;
(3) consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods; and
(4) bioterrorism.
In light of time constraints at this workshop, we will examine the first three of the problems.
PROBLEM ONE: PRICE AND INCOME POLICY
Part 1
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Article
Author: Neal E. Harl, Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture,
Professor of Economics, Iowa State University. EMail: harl@iastate.edu
Posted: 1/7/2004
Theme: Resources
© Neal E. Harl
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Enter the Day
The steward celebrates the gift of the day through a poem.
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Article
Author: Glen Holmquist, 496 Tomahawk Trail, Nekoosa, WI 54457
Email: gbholmg@wctc.net
Posted: 8/7/2003
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Glen Holmquist
April 30, 1999
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THEOLOGY OF STEWARDSHIP BASED ON THE APOSTLES' CREED
In May, 2003, I bumped into Pastor Harris Lee at the Minneapolis Area Evangelical Lutheran Church Synodical Assembly. During our conversation he began to reflect on his "Theology of Stewardship."
I was intrigued and invited him to lunch so that I could hear him out and share his insights with you. The following are notes from our lunch conversation.
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Article
Author: Rev. Harris Lee although retired he continues to faithfully serve the church. At present, Harris is a key stewardship leader for the ELCA, Clergy Coach and a consultant. EMAIL: leexx229@tc.umn.edu
Posted: 6/12/2003
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Rev.Harris Lee
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7 NON-NEGOTIABLES OF CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
The Seven Non-Negotiables are:
1 - God Owns Everything
2 - God's work must be supported by God's people.
3 - God holds every person accountable.
4 - God's will is that we give wisely and generously.
5 - God desires equal commitment, not equal contribution.
6 - God holds more responsible those to whom more is given.
7 - God blesses the giver in a proportionate measure.
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Article
Author: Kirk Nowery is Executive Vice President of INjOY Stewardship Services.
Posted: 11/23/2002
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Stewardship Strategies
INJOY Stewardship Services
PO Box 7700 Atlanta, GA 30357
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The Visionary Leader Talk
The visionary talk tells people about the past, present and future of the organization, with emotion. It must clearly convey "the gap" between where your organization is now and where you need to go in order to fulfill the next phase of your mission.
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Article
Author: Terry Axelrod, Founder of the basic Raising More Money Model™
Posted: 6/5/2002
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© Raising More Money®. All Rights Reserved
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