STEWARDSHIP SUMMER READING LIST

The winter and Lenten seasons present a great time for stewardship committees and churches to engage in activities which will plant the seeds of a faithful understanding of Christian Stewardship within the congregation. One of the basic objectives of the stewardship ministry in the local church is to help people grow in their own faith and discipleship. Here are some ideas you may want to try out:

For members of stewardship committees, now is the time to curl up before the fire with a good book and gain a deeper understanding of stewardship as an expression of our faith. Here is a list of suggested books to read:

Plain Talk About Churches and Money by Dean Hoge, Patrick McNamara, and Charles Zech

Explodes myths, reveals facts, and explores motives for giving. Offers practical insight and real help for churches everywhere and for everyone who wants to understand fund raising and to celebrate stewardship - $17.00

Creating Congregations of Generous People by Michael Durall

Written with the voice of experience, this book will help clergy and lay leaders initiate and sustain effective stewardship programs. Durall believes that asking for money eventually becomes routine, even tedious-but creating a congregation of generous people becomes ever more meaningful with passing time - $14.00

Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking Ethics and Money by James Hudnut-Beumler

 This book deals with vital questions. "What does the Lord require? What is the true meaning of the term 'commonwealth?' and how does the church build a stable base for its members to live ethical lives?" A positive approach to forming the basis for new thought and discussion - $12.25

Lent is a season to deepen our spiritual development. There is no better time than Lent to explore the spiritual and Biblical basis of Christian Stewardship. Here are some resources for Bible Studies and small groups:

At Ease: Discussing Money and Values in Small Groups John & Sylvia Ronsvalle with U. Milo Kaufmann

A method for making people comfortable discussing the difficult issues of linking money with values. Based on congregational small-group discussions that create support and trust, the method helps individuals identify their fears and worries, as well as their attitudes on stewardship and support of the church. A series of questions leads participants by steps to new and increasingly probing conversations about these issues. Individual readers can also use the book - $13.00

The Price of Faith by Marie T. Cross

Ten session plans that deal with personal finances, church funds, charity, and attitudes about money are included to help adults gain a new understanding of stewardship. A great resource for an adult Christian education class or Stewardship Committee -

$10.50

Giving Together: A Stewardship Guide for Families by Carol W. Wehrheim

A small group study guide to help families understand stewardship in the family, congregation and the community. This book illustrates a holistic understanding, including careful consideration of the choices we make and the role of Christian discipleship in our lives - $12.95

The Steward Living in Covenant - A New Perspective on Old Testament Stories by Ronald E. Vallet

This resource combines powerful story telling with creative dramas and choral readings to enliven worship and Christian Education. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and suggestions for action. "The reader will discover in the chapters of this book a treatment of biblical stories that provides rich material for preaching and teaching in the life of the church. The result...should be a new sense of being part of a great cloud of witnesses, stewards living in covenant with God and neighbor." - Bruce C. Birch, Dean and Professor of Old Testament, Wesley Theological Seminary (2001). Available from the Ecumenical Stewardship Center 1-800-835-5671 or stewardshipcenter@ameritech.net $15.95 plus shipping and handling, 250 pages.

All these (except for The Steward Living in Covenant) are available from the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ. To order contact Pat Niness at (508) 875-5233 x 234 or ninessp@macucc.org