September 4, 2012
Editor's Letter: September 2012 Practicing Generosity
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16)
Sharing is one of the early lessons we receive as toddlers. Most of us resist – sometimes kicking and screaming ‘Mine!’ – until we gradually learn that sharing is useful skill when we live in community.
Sharing – and by extension generosity – are skills that get easier with practice.
The beginning of the new program year seems to be the right time for ECF Vital Practices to share all we’ve been collecting related to generosity. Over the next two months, we’ll be sharing stories, resources, and best practices from congregations and congregational leaders who have adopted the practice of generosity.
In September, our contributors are sharing these best practices:
Lisa Meeder Turnbull relates how she applies the African concept of “Cosi, Cosi Iyaphelaby,” to a congregation’s stewardship narrative.
In “Reframing Stewardship,” Greg Syler shares how his congregation changed the way it thinks about money and finances, so that it no longer “confuses stewardship with money.”
Doreen Rice from St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Kansas offers her congregation’s “Recipe for Spiritual Growth.”
In “Legacy & Generosity,” Celeste Ventura passes on the lessons in generosity her father shared with her as a young girl.
Following each article is a list of resources offering additional information and/or practical tools. Additional resources may also be found here as well as by clicking on the ECF Vital Practices’ Topics button and then clicking on Stewardship.
I invite you to add to this content by sharing the ways your congregation practices generosity. Post your stories, tips, and resources in the Your Turn section and in the comments box at the end of each article, blog post, or resource.
Faithfully,
Nancy
Nancy Davidge
Editor, ECF Vital Practices
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