The Rev. Lauren Johnston has announced the availability of a new study guide offering practical steps and prayerful reflections on how we can individually and as a faith community adapt to the troubling reality of our fragile and weakened economy. Ideal for a Lenten study, adult forum or small group venue; the seven practices offer a way to ground us in the deepest reality of God’s abundant grace—despite trying times.

Many thanks to Dr. John Preston, Stewardship Officer of the Church of England, for allowing TEC to use his work as a basis for this guide.

See below to open and print a PDF file of this resource.

To order printed copies of this useful resource (for only the price of postage), telephone (800) 903-5544 or visit Episcopal Bookstore on the web at: www.episcopalbookstore.org

Lauren is very interested in receiving feedback on the content, its usefulness and the discussion it may generate. Email Lauren at ljohnston@episocpalchurch.org

Click here to open, save and print a PDF file of this valuable resource.

Lesson plans on teaching environmental stewardship concepts and celebrating Earth Day for grades 1-12 are available on the Learning to Give web site.

Click here to view the resources.

Many useful resources, including financial literacy, can also be found at the Learning to Give website.

Click here to view available resources for children of all ages.

The diocese of Michigan announces the 12th Annual Becoming the Household of God conference on Friday night and Saturday, March 27 & 28, 2009 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit, MI. The topic this year is “Millennium Development Goals - Working and Praying to Alleviate Poverty.”

Ms. Abagail Nelson, Senior Vice President of ERD and The Rev. Dr. Mark Anschutz, board member of EGR, will explore this important effort to change the world of the poorest of the poor. Dr. Anschutz will focus on the theology underpinning the goals while Ms. Nelson will explore practical responses to the Goals.

The annual Becoming the Household of God gathering is an important part of the on-going life and ministry of the diocese of Michigan centered on the idea that stewardship is what we are and what we do after we say “I believe.”

The conference brochure includes details of the event and the speakers. Contact Nanette Lutz at the Whitaker School of Theology for more information at (313) 833-4423 or email household@edomi.org

Click here to view and print the conference brochure.

“Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.” May 26 – 29 at Trinity Conference Center, Road Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.

The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones, bishop suffragan of the diocese of Virginia and a long time supporter of the Small Church Leadership Conference will serve as Preacher, Celebrant, Spiritual Advisor and friend.

Keynoter Lynette Hawkins, the author of “Pick and Shovel Marketing” and the E-Newsletter “BMG Awesome Insight for Church Leaders,” readily admits to “a passion for ministry and communications.” Part of her “musings,” as she calls them, can be found on her blog www.blog.awesomeinsight.com

Headliners include entertainer Ed Kilbourne, a musician with 23 albums, 8000+ concerts and events, singer, storyteller and folk theologian …. he “ain’t quite right, but he ain’t quite wrong either!”

Click here to open a PDF file of the conference brochure.

By clicking here.