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God's Abundance
One small tomato plant produced an abundant crop.
Pastor Louise wrote:
"The more I shared with others, the more that this plant seemed to produce."
"How like God's love was this abundance. The more we share of God's love and blessings the more God gives us to share."
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 Story
Author: Pastor Louise Stromberg serves Cross of Christ Lutheran in Houston, MN
Posted: 7/2/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Louise Stromberg E-Mail: pslouise@acegroup.cc
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Lengthy Sermons
A pastor, known for his lengthy sermons, noticed a man get up and leave during the middle of his message. The man returned just before the conclusion of the service. Afterward the pastor asked the man where he had gone.
"I went to get a haircut," was the reply.
"But," said the pastor, "why didn't you do that before the service?"
"Because," the gentleman said, "I didn't need one then."
- Unknown
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 6/11/2009
Theme: Resources
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The Tenant
Differance between Tenant and Owner
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 6/11/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Unknown
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THE MAGIC PURSE
An Easter Fable
An Easter fable on Abundance that can be used anytime of the year.
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Story
Author: Timothy Thompson is an ELCA pastor who has a blog called the The Feral pastor
Posted: 3/14/2009
Theme: Communicating the Message
© feralpastor@gmail.com [Timothy Thompson]
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I Went To Give and They Gave More
Lauren Felton shares her experience of traveling to Juarez, Mexico for a mission trip that was conducted by St. Philip Lutheran Church. This trip changed Lauren's view of giving and sharing what God has given.
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Story
Author: Lauren Felton is a member of St. Philip Lutheran Church, Fridley, MN.
Posted: 1/24/2009
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Lauren Felton
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The Potter
The story depicts the joy that comes from being poured out.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Bamboo
This story has much to teach us about sacrifice and service. The abundant life is the result of a willingness to be used by God in a manner not of one's own choosing.
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Story
Author: Chinese folk tale.
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Greed and Grace
The old movie, "Stars in My Crown," is a story about a man who showed amazing grace in the midst of incredible greed.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Ice Cream Is Good for the Soul
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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A Longer Well Rope
This story is about a family that had an abundant supply of water. But they were only able to get three buckets of water a day because of an obstacle that blocked them.
As you engage in the story, ask yourself the question: what blocks you from receiving the abundant water of life that God desires to give you?
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Story
Author: Glenn "Tex" Evans was a United Methodist minister, former missionary and a pioneer in exciting ministries to persons in Appalachia. Tex was the founder of the Appalachia Service Project.
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Life is Like That, by Glenn "Tex" Evans, reprinted with permission.
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How Do You Know My Name?
The Lord's Prayer revised by a six-year-old.
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Story
Author: Jerry Hoffman, a proud grandfather.
Posted: 8/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Jerry Hoffman
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Politico Who Brags About Money Smarts Owes $70K on Credit Cards
Toledo mayoral candidate Ray Kest -- a certified public accountant who has repeatedly cited his financial expertise in the campaign -- owes $70,212 on eight credit cards. He says he's now taking out a second mortgage on his home to pay off most of the debt.
-- Toledo Blade
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Story
Author: Joe Mahr, Blade Staff Writer
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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The Musical Miser Who Gave Away a Million
Henry Klooster, a bookkeeper who died at 98, never spent more than $1,000 on a "new" car, used paper-clips to keep his curtains together, and owned but a single bowl and spoon. After Klooster died, his friends were stunned to find out that he left more than a million dollars to various groups. "He was a millionaire, this guy, and he never spent a penny of it until he died," says one pal.
-- Muskegon Chronicle
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Story
Author: Jennifer Meese, Muskegon Chronicle Staff Writer
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Michigan Live Inc.
Michigan Live is a Registered Trademark of Advance Internet, Inc.
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Man Collects Over 1 Million Pennies in 40 Years
Sylvester Neal, 58, says of his pennies: "I don't even understand my own fascination with them. I just love pennies. There's no rational explanation." Last summer -- before he finally converted most of the coins into dollar bills -- his collection weighed about 16,000 pounds.
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Story
Author: John Zebrowski
Seattle Times staff reporter
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Seattle Times
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I Gave It All
A story is told about a church meeting where a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian Faith. "I'm a millionaire," he said, "and I attribute my wealth to the blessings of God in my life."
He went on to recall the turning point of his faith: As a young man he had just earned his first dollar, and he went to a church meeting that night. At that meeting, a missionary who discussed his work. At the time of the offering for the work of this missionary the wealthy man knew that he would either have to give it all to God or nothing at all.
So at that moment he decided to give all that he had to God. Looking back he knew that God had blessed that decision and had made him wealthy.
When he had finished there was an awed silence. As he moved to his seat and sat down a little old lady leaned over to him and said: "I dare you to do it again."
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Story
Author: Source Unknown
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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We Have the Money
There is the story of a preacher who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation:
I have good news and bad news.
The good news is: we have enough money to pay for our new building program.
The bad news is: it's still out there in your pockets.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 8/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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The Messiah Is One of Us
A story from the chassidic tradition.
When members of a monastery believe that the "messiah is one of us," there is a transformation in the way they view one another.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 7/31/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Source Unknown
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Lilly Strong - A Widow's Might
Each month I gave Lilly my time and attention as a responsible, caring pastor. Each month, Lilly Strong gave me the presence of Christ in the humblest of forms. I went to give, I left as the one who received.
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Story
Author: Jerry Hoffman is the director of the center for Stewardship Leaders at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.
Posted: 7/16/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Jerry Hoffman
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Mom's Legacy
Dr. Piper tells this moving story about generosity of his mother who taught him what it meant to live the life of a steward.
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Story
Author: Dean Piper now retired, pastored 5 congregations, served on synod and churchwide staff and is an author of three books--the latest on Revelations, Is He Coming Soon?
Posted: 7/15/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© dpiper@thevillages.net [Rev. Dr. Dean Piper], 8364 SE 176th Lawson Loop,The Villages, FL 32162
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Motivation for Giving
"I started thinking about all the ways that God has blessed me and what a wonderful life God has given me. Then I started thinking about how little I give to the church."
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 7/11/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Unknown
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The Sailor/King
A Sigmund Frued story(?)illustrates making the most out of the responsiblilies entrusted to us.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 7/11/2008
Theme: Resources
© Unknown
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Making a Difference
God doesn't call us to save the world, but God does call us to serve the world.
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Story
Author: Loren Corey Eiseley (September 3, 1907–July 9, 1977) was a highly respected anthropologist, science writer, ecologist and poet.
Posted: 7/1/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Consumerism
A story about an 8-year-old's worry.
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Story
Author: Jerry Hoffman
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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The Farmhand's Story
The following story is a great metaphor for how the followers of Jesus deal with the enormous changes going on in the church and culture.
The three part story was in three consecutive mailings of the congregation's newsletter.
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Story
Author: Rev. Timothy Thompson
Posted: 6/24/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
© Timothy Thompson, Atonement Lutheran Church, 1980 Silver Lake Road, New Brighton, MN 55112 - E-Mail:Pastor.Tim@comcast.net
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How to Tell a Story Narratively
This six step approach will help you to learn how to a incorporate stewardship story narratively.
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Story
Author: Dr. Ed Kruse,
Director for Stewardship ELCA
Posted: 6/17/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Dr. Ed Kruse, Director for Stewardship ELCA
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The Big Hog
The door to the church office opened and a man walked in. He asked to speak to the Head Hog at the Trough.
The secretary said, "I beg your pardon?"
"I want to speak to the Head Hog at the Trough," he said again.
"Sir, if you mean our pastor," the secretary replied sharply, "you will have to treat him with more respect -and ask for "the Reverend" or "the Pastor." But you certainly cannot call him the Head Hog at the Trough!"
"Oh, I see," said the man. Well, I have fifty thousand dollars I was thinking about donating to the Building Fund."
"Stay where you are!" the secretary cried, jumping up from her chair."I'll go get the Big Pig for you."
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Story
Author: Source Unknown
Posted: 5/8/2008
Theme: Resources
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Widow's Mite
Mark 12:38-44
He put in all he had.
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Story
Author: Jeff Sackett is pastor of South Santiago Lutheran Church,
Clear Lake, MN.
Posted: 4/21/2008
Theme: Happenings in Congregations
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Priorities and Respect?
This is a story about a teacher who tells others what she makes.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 4/11/2008
Theme: Resources
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Two Generous Brothers
A rabbi's tale tells us how God is blessed by humility and love.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Socks are Fundamental
Stewardship is fundamental to effective discipleship.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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We Are As We Love
Sloan illustrates the truth that "we are as we love" and that we sometimes must "accept pain in the service of love."
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Story
Author: William Sloane Coffin, former senior pastor at Riverside Church, New York City
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Stewardship Leadership
© William Sloane Coffin
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I Was Reminded of How Rich I Really Am
This is a reflection on an experience among the poor in Guatemala.
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Story
Author: Justin Grimm is a senior at Luther Seminary. He interned at Salem Lutheran Church in North Minneapolis. He hopes to begin his parish ministry in an urban area.
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Justin Grimm, Email: jgrimm@luthersem.edu
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My Story
This is an email letter in response to Gary Langness's newsletter article, My Story-Your Story. My Story-Your Story
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Story
Author: Rev. Don Hillerich. Don is a retired ELCA pastor who lives in Sarasota, Florida. He currently is working for the Wittenberg University Development office. Email: dhillerich@aol.com
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Donald J.Hillerich
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Sacrifice
Ernest Gordan relates a story from the book "To End All Wars" about sacrifice that totally transformed the prison camp he was in during WW II.
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Story
Author: Ernest Gordon, author of TO END ALL WARS was dean of the chapel at Princeton from 1955 to 1981. He was captured by the Japanese in April, 1942
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
© Zondervan
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COMMITMENT TO THE MAIN EVENT
A Story About Commitment
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Communicating the Message
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The Commitment
Story of wealthy man who wanted to break his promise to tithe.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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For the Greater Good
The story about a dollar bill is told from a the bill's perspective. As the story is told we learn about different ways the dollar can be used and which of those ways brings life.
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Story
Author: Erika Thiede is a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Minneapolis, MN. She wrote this story for an 8th grade school assignment.
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Erika Thiede
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God Owns It All
Beth Gilthvedt writes about a patient who had "God Owns It All" on his personal checks.
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Story
Author: Beth Gilthvedt, OD. Her husband, Ron Gilthvedt is pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN.
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Beth Gilthvedt
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The Charitable Legacy of Author James Michener
To Michener, how much he had was less important than what he did with it.
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Story
Author:
Posted: 4/8/2008
Theme: Becoming a Steward
©
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Giving Means To Get Rid of Stuff We Don't Want
True story told my a member of my staff:
Mom, Dad and their 8 year daughter were greatly moved by the message to give and share. After church, they went home and began to identify the things that they could give away--including lots of clothes, toys, etc.
The six year old, looking at the collection that was accumulating observed "oh, I see, giving means to get rid of the stuff we don't want anymore!"
-From David Hoffman
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Story
Author: Anonymous
Posted: 2/27/2007
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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Looking In A Mirror
Short story about what you see
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Story
Author: Source Unknown
Posted: 11/20/2006
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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Misers
Laying up tresures for self but not rich toward God.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 11/20/2006
Theme: Communicating the Message
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The Begging Bowl
Barb DeGrote-Sorensen tells the story about how a begging bowl that helped her realize her need to receive.
Stewardship is about receiving as much, if not more, than it is about giving.
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Story
Author: Barb DeGrote-Sorensen works for the Central Minnesota Community Foundation of St. Cloud. She lives in Sartell, Minnesota.
Posted: 3/7/2006
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© Augsburg-Fortress Publishing
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Give, Give, Give
Dr. McCord told the story about a man who commented that he was never coming back to a particular church because all they ever talked about in that church was give, give, give.
Concluded Dr. McCord: I cannot think of a better definition of Christianity than that: give, give, give.
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Story
Author: Story told by Dr. James I. McCord, then president emeritus of Princeton.
Posted: 11/2/2005
Theme: Communicating the Message
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THE RICH FAMILY IN OUR CHURCH
A story about a poor family who joyfully sacrificed to help others.
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Story
Author: Anonymous
Posted: 1/31/2005
Theme: Becoming a Steward
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Old Man Who Couldn't Let Go
Story of old man who couldn't enter the gate of heaven until he let go of a handful of dirt.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 10/3/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
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The Fisherman!
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Story
Author: Author Unknown
Posted: 6/16/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Bag Lady
A true story.
One day our church secretary was in the office by herself. She could see a "bag-lady" walking up the sidewalk to the front door of the church.
She didn't want to deal with her as she was all alone, so she tried to get up quickly and lock the door.
Just before she reached the lock, the lady opened the door, so our secretary welcomed her in. The lady sat down in the secretary's office and carried on a conversation. All the while the secretary was hoping she would just come to the question of asking for money so she could respond "no" and end the time together.
In conversation, the "bag-lady" said she was a member of the church, but hadn't been out for years and thought it was time she came in and made a donation. She reached in her "bag" and pulled out a check-book and wrote a check for $5,000.00. Make's me smile every time I think of it.
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Story
Author: Brent
Posted: 3/8/2004
Theme: Communicating the Message
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Three Sons
A story about giving to meet the needs of the receiver and not the giver.
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Story
Author: Unknown
Posted: 11/7/2003
Theme: Resources
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My Dad Taught Me
My brother, David, is an outstanding stewardship leader. He has a very commendable record in helping people become generous.
I knew our parents were generous, but I didn't know how much they gave to church. He recently told a story about our dad, Harold Hoffman, who was a farmer near Storm Lake, Iowa.
--Jerry Hoffman
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Story
Author: Dr. David Hoffman is Senior Pastor at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Plymouth, MN. Email: dhoffman@spdlc.org
Posted: 8/26/2003
Theme: Becoming a Steward
© David Hoffman
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The Hasidic Stories
This page is devoted to the appreciation and sharing of Hasidic stories. All are welcome.
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Story
Author:
Posted: 5/1/2002
Theme: Communicating the Message
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