Welcoming Abundance!!

The 2009 Conference on Stewardship, Evangelism, and Congregational Development is being held on May 15-16 at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA. If you're looking for a great way to connect with people from across the church (and hang out in San Diego, where the sun always shines), make plans to attend. For more information, visit the Province VIII website at http://provinceviii.org/

2010 Federal Budget -- What's In It for Rural America?

The Rural Policy Research Institute has drafted a response to the 2010 Federal Budget, looking especially at its impact on life in rural America. Check it out at http://www.rupri.org/leftsidemore.php?selectedid=18

Want to Learn How to be a Farmer or Rancher?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding grant money to encourage the skills of new farmers and ranchers. Check out the link at http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=46027

Check out the Revised Common Lectionary Bible Study Blog

Sarah Johnson, Associate Program Officer for Older Adult Formation and Resource Ministries, (now, that's a job title, isn't it?) maintains a wonderful weekly Bible Study blog based on the upcoming Sunday readings, utilizing the Revised Common Lectionary. If you're looking for ideas for sermons, wanting to reflect on thoughtful questions, or just get a peek at the lessons coming up this Sunday, do check it out. You'll find it at http://rclbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

Small Church Leadership Conference in North Carolina

If you're looking for a great way to expand your understanding of some of the particular qualities of leadership in small churches -- not to mention getting connected with some other great small church leaders -- consider making the trek out to Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina on May 26-29 to be a part of "The Small Church Leadership Conference." To learn more about this great opportunity, just click on the following link:
http://www.tens.org/articles/pdfs/2009_SCLC_Brochure.pdf

Alban Institute Weekly

Did you know that the Alban Institute, that great resource for printed materials and conferences, also has a weekly e-newsletter that they distribute FREE OF CHARGE? It's a wonderful way to gain access to some of the most current thought on a wide variety of subjects of particular concern to the church today. This week's lead article entitled, "Ministry in Hard Times" talks about some of the unique challenges and opportunities which confront congregations across the country. The link to the article is:

http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=7184

If you like what you see, you can subscribe to the weekly post. Check it out... it's good stuff.