World Food Day is a day of action against hunger.

On October 16, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero.

Each year, people around the world mark World Food Day as a special occasion to take action, learn more and join together to fight hunger.  World Food Day 2016 falls on a Sunday, giving Christians concerned about hunger a special opportunity to worship, pray and serve together.  Below are some suggestions for actions your congregation can take.

GIVE

ELCA World Hunger supports projects in nearly 60 countries, including the United States. These projects include job training programs, food pantries, agricultural training, health promotion and care, and much more. Together, our Church accompanies communities around the world toward a world of justice where all will be fed.  Prayerfully consider supporting ELCA World Hunger with your gifts.  Visit https://community.elca.org/hungerdonate to make a gift.

World Food Day 2016 is on Sunday October 16.  Use the occasion to host a special offering for ELCA World Hunger in your congregation.  Order posters and envelopes at http://resources.elca.org/Products-Hunger.html. You can also use a blessing like the one below to dedicate your offerings to the work God is doing through the ELCA.

Blessing of Offering

Abundant God, all creation displays your goodness.  For the hungry, you provide food.  For the thirsty, you give water.  To the wandering, you promise a home.  You have blessed us with your gifts that we may be your hands and feet to share these gifts with our neighbors.  Bless these offerings, that they may be signs of your grace in our world.  As we share with others, keep us mindful of our own need – for food, water, shelter, and community.  May our gifts be an invitation to deeper relationship with each other and with you. In the name of Jesus Christ, your gift to the world, Amen.

ADVOCATE

Last year, ELCA Advocacy, Lutherans across the Church and ecumenical and interfaith partners across the US joined together to advocate for the Global Food Security Act. After long months of advocacy and policy negotiations, the Global Food Security Act is now a law. Together with partners, ELCA Advocacy worked tirelessly on this legislation for nearly two years, and we are grateful to see that all our prayerful efforts have led to this moment. The Global Food Security Act means the U.S. will be better equipped to combat food insecurity around the world. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY!

But our work is far from over. Sign up for e-advocacy alerts at ELCA.org/advocacy to learn more about the important work of ELCA Advocacy and to be part of a voice for justice for all.

LEARN

This year’s message for World Food Day is “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must, too.”  Host an education event at your church to help others learn more about climate change’s effect on hunger.  You can download a communication toolkit, posters and other resources from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations here: goo.gl/OFcz6D .

To learn more about projects supported by ELCA World Hunger that are responding to a changing climate, read “Three Ways ‘The Poor’ and Communities of Faith Are Leading the Way on Climate Change” on Huffington Post – goo.gl/L3MtiH.

Also, check out these resources from ELCA World Hunger and our partners:

Rooted in God’s Word and Lands: A Celebration of the Earth That Nourishes Us

This resource from Creation Justice Ministries encourages Christians to treat land as the special gift that it is.  It has ideas for sermons, Sunday School activities, and adult study and contemplation exercises. Download it for free at goo.gl/kjT5P6.

Sustainable Food in a Changing Climate

This 2015 resource from Creation Justice Ministries offers prayers and liturgies for worship, ideas for educational programs, and suggestions for personal food choices that raise awareness about and encourage action toward sustainable choices about the foods we eat.  Download it for free at goo.gl/KxddNC.

Just Climate: Study Guide for Adult Christian Education

Creation Justice Ministries’ popular 2008 resource is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.  This three-session study guide is perfect for audiences new to studying climate change.  It has discussion and reflection questions, a leader’s guide to the issues, and fact sheets on several countries to help your group see the concrete effects of climate change around the world and in the United States. Download it for free at goo.gl/ySPgkw.

Care of Creation Lectionary Reflections

Lutherans Restoring Creation offers an online archive of commentaries on the Revised Common Lectionary that is perfect for developing a sermon, a children’s sermon, or an educational forum.  The archive can be found at goo.gl/wrxb8z.

Hunger and Climate Change Connections Toolkit

ELCA World Hunger’s toolkits are easy-to-use, adaptable for a variety of settings and suitable for intergenerational audiences.  The activities can take as little as 15 minutes, or as much as one hour, depending on your needs.  Learn about climate-related disasters, the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations and actions your congregation can take.  Download this toolkit at goo.gl/x2JEBK.

Hunger and Climate Change: Agriculture and Food Security in a Changing Climate

From biofuels to gender justice, from political stability to farming in the United States, this fact sheet from the ELCA highlights the wide-ranging effects of climate change.  With ideas for what your congregation can do to support farmers and others impacted by climate change, this fact sheet is perfect for Lutherans concerned about agriculture and hunger.  Download it at goo.gl/aqnuLg.

Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice

The ELCA’s social statement on care for creation, adopted in 1993, remains an important reflection on our role as stewards in God’s world.  Read it here: goo.gl/0rFHQM.

HOST

Host a Hunger potluck or banquet after worship services to highlight the challenge of hunger in our world. Read how congregations in Ohio used “Potlucks to End World Hunger” to  support ELCA World Hunger and projects around the world – http://earthandcup.com/potlucks-to-end-world-hunger/.

The Oxfam America Hunger Banquet is a memorable, interactive event that brings hunger and poverty issues to life. Hunger Banquets have been going strong for nearly 40 years and can be a meaningful way to learn more about the challenges we and our neighbors face in a world of hunger – and what we can all do to change it.  Learn more at goo.gl/8a5ASG.

PRAY

When Lutherans pray for “daily bread,” Martin Luther reminds us that we are asking God for all of the needs we have each and every day, from food to shelter, from healthy families to good government.  This Fall, help your family remember these good gifts of God with free table blessing magnets from ELCA World Hunger.  Order for your family or congregation by emailing Hunger@ELCA.org.

Por Elizabeth Eaton

“Maestro, ¿cuál es el mandamiento más importante de la ley? ‘Ama al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser y con toda tu mente’ —le respondió Jesús—. Este es el primero y el más importante de los mandamientos. El segundo se parece a este: ‘Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo’. De estos dos mandamientos dependen toda la ley y los profetas” (Mateo 22:36-40).

A fines de marzo de este año pasé una maravillosa semana con el obispo y líderes ordenados del Sínodo de Montana en su conferencia teológica anual. Y aún más gratificante fue que se nos unieron el obispo y clérigos de la Diócesis Episcopal de Montana, así como Michael Curry, obispo presidente de la Iglesia Episcopal. Existen muchas cosas que son propias de cada una de nuestras tradiciones específicas, pero resultó obvio que compartimos muchas más cosas. En cierto momento de la presentación, Curry se inclinó hacia mí y me dijo que si cerraba los ojos podría jurar que se encontraba en una de sus propias reuniones.

Durante la conversación, dos participantes, uno luterano y otro episcopal, destacaron que otros líderes cívicos y religiosos habían hecho declaraciones públicas sobre la necesidad de un discurso civil durante esta temporada de elecciones y se preguntaban si los líderes de la ELCA y la Iglesia Episcopal podrían hacer lo mismo. Ambos dejaron claro que no querían una declaración política o un aval a un partido o candidato. Lo único es que pensaban que parte de la retórica ya no resultaba atractiva para lo mejor de nosotros mismos, sino que se estaba abriendo la puerta a la división y la desconfianza. Querían saber si sus comunidades de fe podrían decir algo a nuestra gente que pudiera generar algo de claridad y esperanza.

Merece la pena mencionar que la primera parte de la Primera Enmienda tiene que ver con la libertad religiosa: “El Congreso no promulgará ninguna ley que se aboque a la adopción de una religión o que prohíba el libre ejercicio de la misma”. Para cuando se redactó la Carta de Derechos, los Estados Unidos ya eran el hogar de aquellos a los que, por lo menos, se les había impedido de alguna manera el ejercicio de su vida religiosa por causa de una religión establecida en su anterior país y en este país. Disidentes de Inglaterra, católicos romanos y cuáqueros habían enfrentado la oposición y represión por parte del estado. La Primera Enmienda pretendía mantener las manos del gobierno fuera de la religión. No fue pensada para evitar que la comunidad religiosa hablara al gobierno o participara en el mismo.

Los luteranos no se retiran del mundo. Martín Lutero creía que las personas de fe tienen el deber de participar en la esfera política y, en caso de ser necesario, pedir cuentas a las autoridades civiles. También ofreció esta útil explicación del octavo mandamiento: “Debemos temer y amar a Dios de modo que no mintamos a nuestro prójimo, ni le traicionemos, ni le calumniemos, ni le difamemos, sino que le disculpemos, hablemos bien de él e interpretemos todo en el mejor sentido” (Catecismo Menor).

Pero veamos lo del discurso civil en esta temporada política. Entiendo que el mundo es un lugar peligroso; entiendo que muchas personas en nuestro país se sienten ignoradas y abandonadas. Existen preocupaciones legítimas sobre seguridad, política externa y política nacional. Los candidatos y partidos políticos tienen el deber de hablar de esas preocupaciones y defender la opinión de su plan.

Durante la reunión teológica, Curry destacó la respuesta de Jesús al abogado en la que decía que el amor a Dios y el amor al prójimo, así como el estándar por el que tratamos a los demás, deben ser nuestra forma de participar en la sociedad. El discurso político que no asegure que el “otro” sea tratado con el mismo respeto y cariño que desearíamos para nuestro hermano, hermana, padre o madre no es lo que Dios tiene en mente para la comunidad amada de Dios.

Somos un pueblo de la Pascua. Hemos sido redimidos por el indescriptiblemente bello acto de amor de Jesús en la cruz. Pido que nosotros, y los candidatos a un cargo de servicio público, recordemos que se nos ha confiado un mundo redimido y que siempre debemos recordar que Cristo también murió por aquellos que no están de acuerdo con nosotros.

Mensaje mensual de la obispa presidente de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América. Esta columna se publicó por primera vez en la edición de mayo de 2016 de la revista en inglés The Lutheran. Reimpreso con permiso.

Amy Martinell, Sioux Falls, SD

Warm-up Questions

What is something you feel like you need more of?  More time?  More sleep?  More money, etc.?  What would you be able to do if you had more of that desired item?

Finding Strength to Stand Firm

The proposed Dakota Access Pipeline is an underground pipeline which will transport 470,000 barrels of crude oil each day from North Dakota, across South Dakota and Iowa, to Illinois.  According to the project developer the pipeline is the safest, most cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to move crude oil, removing dependency on rails and trucks.  In addition, the developer claims the pipeline will bring significant economic benefits to the region it covers.

On the other side of the story, environmentalists and Native American tribes strongly oppose construction of the pipeline and have vehemently protested.  The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, located in North Dakota, filed a complaint in federal court, claiming that the pipeline both threatens the tribe’s drinking water and crosses burial grounds and other sacred sites. Furthermore, the tribe alleges the Army Corps did not properly consult with them before approving the project.

A federal appeals court has halted construction of the pipeline  within 20 miles of Lake Oahe along the Missouri River to give the court more time to rule on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s request for an emergency injunction until the court case is decided.  This was a victory for Standing Rock, as their injunction was denied in a lower court.

Previously unlikely, it now appears that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe will get its day in court before the pipeline is completed.  By standing firm for what they believed, members of the tribe will get a chance to raise their voice and tell their story.

Discussion Questions

• How do you think we should balance our need for fuel sources with environmental concerns?
• How do you think the courts should rule?  Should the pipeline be moved to avoid the tribe’s sacred sites?

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Luke 17:5-10

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The disciples ask Jesus for more faith.  This is not a ridiculous request.  Jesus has just laid out what it means to be a disciple: be careful not to cause others to stumble, forgive those who wrong you again and again.  It seems like more than they are capable of doing.  So they ask for a little more faith, but Jesus assures them if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can uproot trees.  Don’t worry; you have all the faith you need.

Faith is a funny thing.  The disciples were capable of great acts of faith: they left their homes and lives to follow Jesus.  Yet, when their boat was rocked by a storm, they were seized with fear and panic. Jesus dozing nearby offered no comfort.  When Jesus wakes up and calms the storm, he asks, “Where is your faith?”  Even with Jesus by us, fear makes it hard to believe.  But if more faith isn’t the solution, what is?

Jesus uses the example of a slave, which does not appeal to modern ears.  Of course, we reject slavery, but we want to understand the concept behind this image.  Luke uses the example of a slave to talk of one fully devoted to another. In the Bible a slave for Christ is fully devoted to God.

So the question is not do we have enough faith, but how is our faith, even if it is only the size of a mustard seed, shaping our lives?  Are our thoughts and actions transformed by God?  Living devoted to God means believing God walks with us even through storms of fear and doubt.

The easy way out is to ask for more; “We could do this, God, if you’d just make our faith a little stronger.”  The challenge is to believe we have enough, that we are enough, that those tasks that seem impossible are indeed possible with God.  Whether that impossibility is uprooting trees, getting our story heard, or standing strong through fear and doubt, when we walk with God we are enough to do the impossible.

Discussion Questions

• Have there been times you have wanted more faith?
• How does your faith in God shape the decisions you make?

Activity Suggestions

• Have youth list areas where stories need to be told, places where they see injustices, and other things that concern them.  Encourage them to do this on the local, national, and international level.  Brainstorm ways they can be an advocate and raise their voices for these things that concern them.
• Studies show teens and adults see over 300 ads a day between all of the media sources they are consuming.  These ads are all trying to tell us we need more.  Using a few media sources (internet, magazine, television) explore with your class some of the ads they are exposed to daily.  What messages are they sending us? Discuss how these messages conflict with the message Jesus brings: that we are enough, that we are a beloved child of God just as we are.  Talk about how  we live devoted to God, when we hear hundreds of times a day we are not enough, that we need more?

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, thank you for the gift of faith.  Help us to walk with you daily and to serve your world.  Surround us with your love so we can be assured we are enough.

LiturgyGrams are brief snippets of worship information, drawing from the ELCA’s Worship FAQ’s and The Use of the Means of Grace.

Bread and wine ready for a Eucharist celebration at Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection.

Ever wondered, “Why the bread?”

Bread is one of the elements of Holy Communion, being the body of Christ.  Different assemblies use different varieties of bread for communion, including unleavened loafs, leavened loafs, and wafers, but in all cases bread is shared. Communion practice follows the example of the Last Supper, as recorded in Matthew 26:26-29, its parallels, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-24.

Fellowship, a nutritious meal, and a time of prayer are offered weekly at Shobi’s Table – a food truck that serves people experiencing homelessness in St. Paul, Minn. Meet the team at Shobi’s Table as they feed and are fed by sisters and brothers in St. Paul. This ministry is supported in part by ELCA World Hunger.

Special post for Administration Matters readers …

Register today for this free webinar: https://community.elca.org/FLSAwebinar
Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent to all registrants prior to the event.

Webinar Title: New Overtime Rules
Date and Time: October 18, 2016, 12 noon, CDT
Hosts:  Steve Knowles, Senior Attorney, Davis & Kuelthau
Thomas Cunniff, Associate General Counsel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Cost: Free
Registration deadline: October 14, 2016
Description: The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted new overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which go into effect on December 1, 2016. Among other changes, these regulations increase the minimum salary for exempt employees from $23,000 to $47,476. Many congregations, synods, and other ministries of the church have questions about how this impacts their employees and ministries. Does it apply to churches? What about pastors? Youth workers? Sextons? How about schools? Or camps? Join us for a free webinar on how the new regulations will affect religious institutions, and try to answer many of these questions.

Angie Larson, Clive, IA

Warm-up Question

Have you thought about your carbon footprint?

It’s Getting Hot in Here

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a study looking at global warming and its effects on people in Sub-Saharan Africa. By the year 2020 over 200 million people will fall further into water scarcity and poverty. In some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50%. This means that people living in already impoverished countries with poor incomes will fall even further into poverty.  By United States standards that means people living on less than $1.00 a day will end up living on less than $0.50 a day at the same time the cost of living is increasing.

People in sub-Saharan African countries like Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Kenya tend to live off the land and not use a lot of resources that contribute to global warming.  The people rarely drive cars, have factories, or eat beef  (all of which significantly contribute to global warming). Yet, they are affected deeply by the changing trends in our global weather.  Those in Sub-Saharan African countries experience longer dry seasons, more malaria, increased poverty, and starvation due to global warming.  Doesn’t this seem unfair? They don’t contribute to the global problem of atmospheric changes yet will suffer the effects the greatest.

Discussion Questions

• Have you thought about global warming very much?
• Do you think Americans should make changes to help Africans who will be effected by these changes?
• What changes could you make to reduce your carbon footprint to help people you don’t know?

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Amos 6:1a, 4-7

1 Timothy 6:6-19

Luke 16:19-31

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

This portion of Luke’s gospel contains a series of parables and lessons Jesus taught to his followers.  Jesus continues to lift up the least, the lost, the last, and the lowest in these parables.  He baffles the religious leaders who are seeking comfort and righteousness in the law. The story of the rich man and Lazarus comes within this narrative.

In this week’s reading, a rich man ignores Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores lying at his gate.  Hoping for food, Lazarus is ignored, an outcast. While Lazarus suffers the rich man is enjoying his life, feasting and being merry.  He does not notice Lazarus and is indifferent to the sick man at his door.

Lazarus dies and is carried away to be with Abraham.  At the same time, this indifferent rich man dies and ends up in Hades. Lazarus is living in glory and the rich man is living in torment.  The rich man pleads to Abraham to allow him some water.  Abraham denies this request. So the rich man pleads to be able to warn his family as they might end up in this same fate.  This request is also denied.

Look at the text.  The rich man isn’t cruel to Lazarus.  He doesn’t intentionally try to harm him.  He is merely indifferent and it leads him to Hades. In this parable Jesus calls us to notice the hurting people around us. We seldom wish people harm. We just fail to notice those who are hurting.  Jesus encourages his hearers to pay attention to suffering near at hand and do what they can.

Discussion Questions

• How do you sometimes not notice those people around you?
• What could you do to catch yourself when you move into indifference? How could you make a change in your habits?
• When you think about it, in what area of your life can push through indifference and do something?

Activity Suggestions

Have each student dip their foot into paint for a reflection on how they are walking through life.  Ask them to write in an art piece that includes their footprint ways in which they could be intentional in their walk through life.  Examples could be recycling, giving of extra money, not purchasing more than they need, prayer, volunteerism, and picking up trash on their walk home each day.

Closing Prayer

Blessed Savior, We often think only of our little corner in the world, as opposed to thinking in global terms. You are so good and care for us in so many ways.  Lord,  help us to notice our neighbors, both near and far, and preserve us from indifference to their suffering. Encourage us in caring for your creation and make us intentional in responding to the pain of your children throughout the world.  In your name we pray, Amen.

Take action to support Flint and other cities facing lead crises!

Linda Parton / Shutterstock.com

It has been nearly a full year since the City of Flint, Michigan, first declared a state of emergency over the widespread lead contamination of its water supply. In that time, churches and service agencies have worked tirelessly to provide clean water to city residents—but significant challenges remain. Despite ongoing progress by state and local officials, Flint’s infrastructure is still not in a sustainable place. Citizens are still not able to drink water without filters.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Rev. Jack Eggleston and Rev. Ken Fouty from the Southeast Michigan Synod distribute water at Salem Lutheran Church in Flint, Mich.

Earlier this year, the Southeast Michigan Synod of the ELCA and ELCA Advocacy urged Congress to take action on this federal emergency. Now, the U.S. Senate is nearing a compromise to provide federal assistance to Flint and help the city recover its drinking water infrastructure. The current deal would also include assistance to states with similar emergency drinking water

situations, which often go overlooked. Congress does not have much time to act, and opposition to the bill still remains. Your Senators must hear from you now!

Call on your members of Congress at the ELCA Action Center to support Flint now!

ELCA World Hunger is continuing to accompany and provide assistance to the people of Flint. Support ELCA World Hunger initiatives by clicking here!

ELCA Advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. We work through political channels on behalf of the following biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease.

Issue 48 of Administration Matters

Time to update your congregation’s constitution

Now that the 2016 Churchwide Assembly is over, it is a good time to look at updating your congregation’s constitution. The 2016 Churchwide Assembly made several important changes to the Model Constitution for Congregations, including addressing the unification of the three lay rosters, revising the provisions for parishes, and updating the membership rules. In addition, many congregations have not updated their constitutions since the 2013 Churchwide Assembly, which made important changes to the procedures for disciplining members of congregations. The next churchwide assembly will be in 2019, so there will be no changes to the Model Constitution for Congregations in the next three years, making it an excellent time to update yours now.

Updating a congregation’s constitution to reflect changes in the Model Constitution for Congregations is relatively easy and straightforward. The changes to the Model in 2016 can be found (top of the page) here. while the changes from 2013 can be found (middle of the page) here. Mandatory provisions are marked with an asterisk (*). Under *C17.04 of the Model (now renumbered *C16.04), these changes can be adopted by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any legally-called congregational meeting. At least 30 days prior to the meeting, the congregation council needs to give notice to the congregation of the proposed amendments, along with their recommendations as to the amendments. Once the amendments are made, notice is given to the synod, but no synod action is required. >More

Webinar on new overtime rules

The U.S. Department of Labor has adopted new overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which will go into effect on December 1, 2016. Among other changes, these regulations increase the minimum salary for exempt employees from $23,000 to $47,476. Many congregations, synods, and other ministries of the church have questions about how this impacts their employees. Does it apply to churches? What about pastors? Youth workers? Sextons? How about schools? Or camps? The ELCA has provided guidance on these and other issues to bishops and synod attorneys.
On October 18, 2016, at Noon (Central Time), the ELCA will be hosting a free webinar on how the new regulations will affect religious institutions, and try to answer many of these questions.  Presenting at the webinar will be Steve Knowles, an employment lawyer with the law firm of Davis Kuelthau, and Tom Cunniff, ELCA Associate General Counsel.  Information on attending the webinar will be forthcoming.

HR Series – applications for employment

It’s important to have a completed application form for each lay candidate applying for a job. If carefully designed, the application will assist you in determining whether there is a good fit between the position and the potential employee. >More

Two common misunderstandings about workers’ compensation insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance can help protect your business and employees providing benefits for work related injuries or illnesses, including medical care and wages from lost work time. >More

Don’t let hazardous materials go down the drain

It is important to dispose of hazardous waste and electronic equipment in a safe and appropriate manner. The dangers of disposing of these materials incorrectly might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal can pollute the environment and threaten human health. >More

Gutenberg to Google – effective use of technology for congregations

View this webinar offered by Augsburg Fortress Lewis at your convenience! It will explore how the use of media to proclaim the Gospel is the same and has changed from the time of Martin Luther to the beginning of the 21st century. You’ll learn something about history and how our reforming traditions are alive and well today. You will come away with fresh ideas for using your congregation’s website, social media and other new technologies to proclaim the Gospel! > More

Sylvia Alloway, Granada Hills, CA

Warm-up Question

Have you ever had to take care of someone else’s property (mowing a lawn, caring for a pet, etc.)? What, if anything, did you learn about looking after other people’s things?

Making a Shrewd Investment

Morgan Stanley bank is big, one the of the world’s largest providers of financial services. It is well known world-wide. So it would make sense that, when investing its employees’ retirement funds, it would know how to use the money for the best return.

A recent class action suit challenges that idea. Employees are suing the bank, claiming that Morgan Stanley invested their 401(k) funds in the bank’s own business interests. The investments performed poorly, as much as 99% below similar funds invested by other banks.

The legal question to be decided: Whose benefit comes first? As a bank, Morgan Stanley is allowed to put its own interests above the customers’. But as an employer, the law says it must put the employees’ financial welfare first.

In any case, if the suit is successful, Morgan Stanley will have to think about other people’s future, not just its own, and real economic growth, not just big profits. It will be interesting to see if it learns this lesson in stewardship.

Discussion Questions

• A steward takes care of someone else’s property. How do you tell if a steward is doing a good job?
• If you worked for Morgan Stanley and the bank president asked you to explain why the bank should change the way they handle the employees’ retirement savings, what would you say?
• How would you answer the legal question? Which should come first, the bank’s profits or their employees’ financial needs? Why do you think that way?

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Amos 8:4-7

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Luke 16:1-13

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year B at Lectionary Readings

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The parable of the unjust steward is difficult to interpret. Is Jesus telling his disciples to imitate a crook who steals his employer’s money? To “buy” friendship with the world? Looking at the context can help.

Verse 13 makes it clear that he doesn’t want his disciples to admire the cheater. The man in the parable obviously has his mind on money the whole way through – stealing it and using it to buy a cushy life instead of having to work. The master admires the servant’s cleverness in using money to manipulate people. Both these men serve money (“mammon”). So why did Jesus tell a story about two guys who love money?

If we look at verse 14, we see the group that Jesus is talking to – the Pharisees, who loved their money. Even as they sneer, he condemns them, this time in plain language. Their hearts are detestable to God.

So what’s with verse 9? How can worldly wealth lead to friends in “eternal dwellings”? Like many truths about God’s Kingdom, this one is exactly the opposite of what the world thinks. God’s stewards seek opportunities to give money away. Jesus’ parables about money (the rich fool, Lazarus and the rich man) all make the same point. The money and goods you hoard will do you no good in heaven.

So, we are to be as shrewd in handling money (and all the gifts and abilities God has given us), but we are to “invest” in eternal goods. We make friends for eternity by giving lovingly to the poor, so that “that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” We give to missions so that the Gospel may be spread around the world and more people can share “eternal dwellings” with us. As children of light, we use all we have to spread that light to others.

In the end we need to ask ourselves the same question as Morgan Stanley does. Whose interests come first, ours or the Lord’s?

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean to be a good steward? How does Jesus use this parable to teach us about good stewardship?
• The parable says we must be smart in using our gifts. What are some specific examples of using gifts wisely? Of misusing them?

Activity Suggestions

In groups or as a class make a list of gifts (money, talents, strength, etc.) that young people can use to advance God’s Kingdom.

Talk about ways each individual can use a specific gift in a practical situation – at school, at work, with friends or strangers.

Each student may write down a way they found to use a gift during the week and share it in the next class session.

Closing Prayer

Father in Heaven, we thank you for the great privilege of stewardship in your kingdom and for the gifts you have given us to use. We ask for wisdom and courage to use them for eternal benefits to ourselves and others. May we always put you and your interests first in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.