Journey into Light

We are well past the winter solstice, each day brings with it increased light. In our church year we celebrate the season of Epiphany, the growing manifestation of Christ’s light in the world. Epiphany is both an event and a season.  With the story of the Magi, their journey and their discovery, we celebrate … [Read More...]

Sun Burst with Clouds

Stitching in the Light

Needlepoint Graphic

by The Rev. Elizabeth Rechter.  A great gift I received once was when someone taught me how to needlepoint. I was thirty years old and just beginning my ordained ministry.  I thought needlepoint was for grandmothers, not young professionals. I was wrong. Needlepoint was for me, and for the past … [Read More...]

Starting Planned Giving from Scratch

Baby in Mothers Hand

by Jim Murphy, ECF Senior Program Director. What’s the sure-fire way to set up a planned giving effort from scratch in any congregation? There’s no magic bullet. I’ve worked with congregations all across the country, and I’ve learned that each is unique. However, there are some basic … [Read More...]

Year Round Stewardship Ads

JAN

by The Rev. Laurel Johnston. One of the many working definitions of stewardship--and this one has been around for the last sixty years---is everything we do after we say we believe.   My sense is this definition has its staying power because it begs the question: What do we believe? And how do our choices and … [Read More...]

Fishing the old Hawaiian Way

Photo of Boat

A Biblical Reflection for Epiphany 3,  Mark 1: 14-20.  by The Rev. William Miller. “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” Jesus “A ohe hana nui ke alu’ia” (“No job is too big when done together”) Hawaiian proverb There is an ancient method of catching fish here … [Read More...]

Annual Giving Timeline 2012

seashore_photo

Looking to get a head start in planning this year’s annual giving campaign? Here is a suggested year-round planning guideline for you to consider. Remember, the purpose of an annual giving campaign is not only to raise support for the life-giving ministries of your congregation, but to also … [Read More...]

Epiphany

prayer_angel(2)

by Walter Brueggemann. On Epiphany day, we are still the people walking. We are still people in the dark, and the darkness looms large around us, beset as we are by fear, anxiety, brutality, violence, loss---- a dozen alienations that we cannot manage. We are—we could … [Read More...]