In November I’m blogging this book by Laura Dunham, Graceful Living: Your Faith, Values, and Money in Changing Times. Laura is a Presbyterian minister, a certified financial planner, and a former college professor.
We’re taking a look at Stewardship at Wicker Park Grace, and how our relationship with money affects our relationships with the world and each other.
How is money a spiritual thing? How can getting our finances in order make us stronger spiritually?
Mostly I’ll focus on Part One in the book: Choosing How to Live.
Chapter One: Living in a Consumer Society
Chapter Two: Money as a Spiritual Concern
Chapter Three: Graceful Living: Designing a Lifestyle Consistent with Your Faith
I got a copy of this book from a Stewardship group at the Presbytery of Chicago, and unfortunately, I can’t find where it’s easily available on-line. If anybody knows, please post a comment here!
It’s a big question.
In our church (where many parishioners are very wealthy), stewardship is something we are asked to do a few times a year. I’ve never pledged or tithed, but always put money into the collection plate. I know my unwillingness to give more relates to the aridity I feel in the church. Not a good answer, but an honest one. I also see the domination of our church by the wealthier families, and their clear expectation that the ministers will do as they instruct. Not impressive to me.
I give my time and talents to a few causes I believe in. That feels like a better use of my limited financial resources.
@broadsideblog, thanks for your comment. I think it’s both honest and good! It seems wise to give to the things we believe in and that give us life and give life to the world.
Aridity in church is a sad and common thing, I’m afraid. I hope more and more places can overcome that aridity with vitality, real relationship, and generosity.
I once had a pastor say to me that his congregants “owned him.” He was about to leave his position at that church.
Because the financial survival of churches depends on the generosity of those gathered, healthy relationships in those settings will depend on a sense of the shared creativity of all involved, and not some persons purchasing the creativity of others.
We’re just touching on the tips of icebergs here…which all relate to what it means to “be church” together.
Thanks for participating in my blog. I intend to visit yours too!
Dear Nanette,
A friend sent me a link to your webiste. Thanks for blogging about my “Graceful Living” book. I know Chicago Presbytery bought some copies from me a year or so ago. Yours must be one of those. I still have some “new” copies, although the book was published in 2002. If anyone wants one (or more), have them email me at lgad@mindspring.com.
My new book, “Path of the Purified Heart: The Spiritual Journey as Transformation,” will be published next year by Cascade Books, a division of Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Sounds as though our paths have taken some similar turns!
Many blessings,
Laura Dunham
Chapel Hill, NC
Thanks, Laura. I’ll share your email in case people want to order your book. Good luck with the new book next year!
And thanks for writing!
peace,
Nanette