STEWARDSHIP INTEGRATION INTO WORSHIP

Congregations highlighting stewardship as a faith practice that is well integrated into every Sunday worship discover a generous spirit and internalized commitment to God's purpose for the church.  Celebrate God's abundance and generosity with praise and thanks.

1. Plan worship with stewardship worship resources. www.luthersem.edu/stewardship/database.asp?filter=Worship+Resource

• Minutes for Mission (Temple Talks)
• Stewardship bulletin inserts
• Stewardship worship resources.

2. Preach stewardship Many biblical text have stewardship implications.

• Use the online lectionary-based stewardship Sermon Starters at www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship/stewardshipnow_sermonstarters.aspx
• Look ahead to identify lectionary texts and proclamation themes. www.stewardshipoflife.org/Resources/Sharron/Lucas_archive_2009.html

3. Celebrate the offering as an act of worship.

• Add a simple Offering Invitation to worship to strengthen sharing as a faith practice among disciples.
• Add congregational gifts (i.e. Mission Support, World Hunger, and Disaster Response etc.) to the offering plate using a large colored envelop and interpret the purpose and significance of the gift.