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February/March 2009
Listed below are several resources available to local churches for direction and inspiration during these economic times. Many of these resources were listed in the October edition of “Inspiring Generosity,” an e-newsletter of the Massachusetts Conference focusing on stewardship. It provides articles and resources for the local church suitable for cutting-and-pasting into your newsletter or bulletin.
To subscribe, free of charge, go to: www.macucc.org/email-subscribe.htm
www.ucc.org/stewardship/faith-and-tough-econmic-times/
Faith and Tough Economic Times: Pastoral perspectives offered by United Church of Christ pastors across the nation.
www.macucc.org/stewardship/documents/S080927_StewardshipUniversityPlenary_ss.pdf >
Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Minister & President of the Massachusetts Conference, U.C.C., directly addressed the Christian response to the economic issues facing our communities in this keynote address given at Stewardship University on September 27th.
www.boston.com/xnews/local/articles_of_faith/2008/10/pastor_financia.html
October 6, 2008, article in the Mainline Protestantism section of the boston.com.
MassResources.org provides useful information about a wide range of assistance programs for people in need living in Massachusetts. It provides information on what benefits are available, how to apply, eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and answers to commonly asked questions. Every pastor and church office should bookmark this site for easy access when a person in need calls.
Now you can send your church members to “360 Degrees of Financial Literacy,” recommended by the Pension Boards. This comprehensive website will give your members the tools needed to help them out of a financial crisis, assist them in teaching their children about money or guide them with their retirement plans.
Good Sense Ministry of the Willow Creek Association offers
complete kits for faith-based budget seminars especially designed for those drowning in debt, as well as other resources.
www.luthersem.edu/stewardship/email_archive.asp
(click on 10/1/08 - Money and Faith During Economic Uncertainties )
This e-newsletter from Luther Seminary provides a number of resources perspectives, articles and links. In the 10/1/08 issue of “Stewardship in the 21st Century” newsletter, editor Jerry Hoffman writes: “I believe that financial stewardship is a pastoral care issue that relates to all aspects of life. Now is the time to do pastoral work that will help people wrestle with their economic realities from a perspective of faith.”
www.ministryofmoney.org/congrgationjudicatory.htm
Ministry of Money is a loving, prophetic Christian ministry that encourages all persons to become free from their attachment to cultural values regarding money and to live out joyfully God’s call for their lives and resources.
www.macucc.org/stewardship/WisdomForATimeofEconomicFear.htm
This article provides some helpful Bible passages as we grapple with our fears and our faith.