This is a wonderful video from David Suzuki and his wife.

In all the talk about stewardship and meeting the real needs of congregations and people, has anyone else ever wondered why the United Church doesn't cut some of the bureaucratic positions that seem like sacred cows?

Why does the Human Resources department keep growing, while positions in youth ministry, reugee support and rurual ministry get cut? Does that fit with the grand plan of the General Council Executive? I am sure the emerging church will be on fire for bureaucracy...not!

Churches Versus Synagogues: Voluntary Donations Versus Dues: Which model raises more? http://nyti.ms/dbno1k

Just sharing from Twitter, but I do enjoy the Freakonomics Blog.

GOLD. "TAKE MY SILVER AND MY GOLD ... " are words used in an old hymn.

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This statement poses some very important questions: What comes to mind when we think of silver and gold?

What do they symbolize for us?

To whom are we to give our silver and our?

What is the nature and function of giving?

And what do we expect that the "one" who takes it will do with it?

"Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone?" -Matthew 7.9

Okay, I have a need to offer confession before proceeding! First of all, I am looking at that crazy calendar that is a life in Accountable Ministry and realise I have two similar tasks that are pending. Both are sitting in my Outlook calendar and require me to write something that is reflective and, hopefully, also useful and meaningful. One is text-based, the other digital ... and I think they are similar enough that I have decided to put them together! Now, as for the second confession, it is that this ruminating piece is heavily influenced by an article from the Alban Institute that has taken hold of me with its clarity and import.[1] I hope, therefore, that the following is inspired and not plagiarised ...

I recently visited a church where after the sermon on how we all have the responsibility of ministry, the chair of stewards spoke about the deficit.  He said that if everyone gave their fair share, there would be no deficit, which was running about $50,000.  He then told everyone what their fair share would be - $2,000.  He referred to the message in the sermon, interpreting share the ministry as give your share to local expenses.  There is something about this that disturbed me.  I didn't think it was an inviting message to visitors.  I'm not even su

“The drum major instinct” Oct 18 2009.
Preached by Rev. James Murray at Dominion-Chalmers United Church.

Recent polls show the Conservative government rising in popularity. The pundits think they might even get a majority when they go to the polls next time.  So what would we think of Prime Minister Stephen Harper if he said he didn’t want another election because he was happy to govern with the current minority parliament?