3/20/2025

Creating an endowment for your church is like funding a scholarship – your money helps people grow and learn in a future where you may be long gone, but still have lasting impact.

The Presbyterian Foundation helps individuals endow their pledges and also provides advice and help to churches. In short, endowing your pledge means that you set up a permanent fund that will continue to provide the same amount as your annual stewardship pledge (or annual gift) in perpetuity.

3/18/2025

But not John: “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb.”  

Still dark. Really dark.

Darkness in John’s gospel has little to do with the time of day. Darkness has everything to do with all that is opposite to the mighty works of God. All the powers and principalities that work to destroy life; life in all fullness as Jesus said in John. Darkness is the symbol, the sum, the prototype, the theme, the weight, the rallying cry in John for all that works against God, God’s reign, God’s kingdom. Mary came to the tomb when it was still dark. In John’s gospel, darkness IS death. Tomb. Dark. That’s death squared.

2/14/2025

Musically, the fig tree’s story resonates with the folk tradition’s emphasis on resilience and renewal. Songs like Cry, Cry, Cry’s rendition of “Cold Missouri Waters” remind us of the human capacity to endure and transform, even in the face of loss. Lent, then, becomes a season of tending the soil of our lives, trusting in the slow work of grace.

2/13/2025

Building a strong stewardship program is a lot like old-fashioned courting – it takes lots of small steps before you pop the question.

In this case, the question is “Will you share your gifts with the church,” and positive answers are important to the financial standing of your church. But just as we don’t like to be rushed when we are shopping, by the salesperson who constantly asks if they can ring us up, we also don’t like to be approached only when it’s time to turn in our annual pledge card.

2/12/2025

As with improv, the most important skill we need to be faithful today is listening. Sometimes that is listening to our colleagues, our family, our friends, or simply those we encounter who are hurting and seeking hope. Most importantly, we must listen to God, and where God is leading us. It’s not an easy task today, but with trust and hope, we can make our way through challenging times and conversations.

1/24/2025

Ultimately, Jeremiah 1:4-5 invites us to embrace both comfort and reverence. We are cherished by a God who knows us intimately, and this truth should inspire us to live with purpose and integrity. As we navigate life’s complexities, let us remember that we are known and loved by God, loved by our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

1/17/2025

If you’re looking to add a bit of fun to your church’s stewardship efforts, February is a fantastic time to invite your congregation to share why they love their church. What draws them back each week to this particular community? When have they felt the loving hand of Christ through their church?

12/13/2024

To grow in generosity, we become perceivers of opportunities and possibilities beyond our inward gaze. We exercise atrophied muscles for turning outward and being engaged with new people, programs and possibilities.

12/12/2024

The Christmas tree stays up until Epiphany! That’s my family’s rule. One is not permitted to even think about taking the tree down January 1. We still have a week left of Christmas. I recognize it is much easier to observe this seasonal rule with an artificial tree, as natural trees tend to dry out after six weeks of sitting in a water bucket, but commitment is encouraged.

My mom is the queen of holiday decorations. She has spent years building her various holiday collections and seasonal celebrations. Lilies for Easter, rainbows in June, and the classic red, white, and blues in July. There is something special about coming home, no matter the holiday, and there being a home filled with different moments for the season. A showing up for the occasion.

12/6/2024

A decade ago, most churches relied on traditional ways to share information with members and friends: Announcements in church or in the Sunday bulletin, fliers posted on bulletin boards in the fellowship hall, perhaps a newsletter or website, or maybe even the occasional email to congregants.

Those worked but were mostly one-way communication – church leaders gave the information, and “receivers” had to make a phone call or email back for more details.

11/14/2024

In my work with churches, I am occasionally asked about taking an offering during Christmas Eve and Easter services. Should a church, on a Sunday when many if not most of the people in attendance will only be there once or twice year, ask for money? Is it better to set the offering aside on those days? Is it a missed opportunity (both financially and spiritually) if you don’t have an offering on Christmas Eve?

11/13/2024

Giving to your church can sometimes take a backseat to daily stress of paying the mortgage, finding the “must-have” Christmas toy, or other “life expenses.”