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"I'm not perfect, and those who know me well know that's very true."

 

This week's video from Bishop James Hazelwood features a confession. An important one.

 

Do you tithe? Bishop Hazelwood reflects in his video about how an experience during his seminary showed him the importance of regular tithing, particularly for those who are in a position of influence.

 

This edition of the Bishop's E-News has a theme: Generosity. It is a part of our Christian calling to be generous in any way we can, and tithing is a classic example. And so, this week's video also features a challenge: "Start a generous lifestyle." 

 

Below, you can read about some other opportunities to express generosity.

The Macedonia Project is designed to help the spirit of generosity grow in the life of a congregation. It is not a magical program. It offers no quick fix. Macedonia does offer a group of trained counselors that are ready to work with congregational leaders to enhance stewardship ministry in their place. Yes, they will have available the latest resources and response methods. But more importantly, they will also bring a time-tested process to help congregations experience stewardship as transformational ministry. If you want to learn more about Macedonia, you can contact the Macedonia Project Coordinator, Pastor Rip Hoffman, and visit the Synod's Macedonia page.

 

You can also learn more about the ELCA's "Rediscover Macedonia" project by clicking here.

There are several grant opportunities to assist your ministry: 

So, now what? You want to be more generous. You want your congregation to be more generous. How do you move forward with those hopes in mind? 

 

Here are a couple of blog posts worth reading. The first is from Carey Nieuwhof (right), the pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Titled "7 Fresh Ways for Every Church Leader to Think About Money," the post examines both how important it is for pastors and churches to be talking about money (because money is a daily, central issue in all of our lives), and also how to talk about it comfortably, prayerfully, and helpfully. For more from Carey, check out his page.

 

The second post is "6 Ways to Increase Generosity in Your Church," and it's excerpted on the Leadership Network site from a book called "Contagious Generosity," by Chris Willard and Jim Sheppard. The post outlines six keys to boosting generosity: Build trust, Cast (and re-cast) vision, Shape culture, Demonstrate impact, Enhance relationship, and Highlight good stewardship.

 

We encourage you to check both of these posts out, and to investigate further into what their authors have to say about generosity and giving.

The Rev. Susan Nachtigal, lead pastor at Trinity (Worcester, Mass.), was recently given a citation by the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, earning the school's Alum Award for Distinguished Ministry as a Parish Pastor.