Tuesday on the blog means that I get to share some of what I have read and found interesting over the past week with all of you. To help make sense of all these links I have grouped them by the following categories: Church and Ministry Thought & Practice; Cross-Sector Collaboration; Leadership Thought & Practice; Millennials; Neighbor Love; Social Media & Blogging; Stewardship; Vocation and Miscellaneous. I hope you enjoy these links!

Church and Ministry Thought & Practice

For those of you preparing a sermon or worship for this coming weekend, I have some helpful resources for you. If your congregation follows the revised common lectionary, check out these thoughts and reflections on “Pentecost 6B” from Bishop Michael Rinehart.

Also, check out this great reflection from friend and professor Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis, “And the Gospel Is? Hospitality.” I love Karoline’s conclusion where she writes, “A theology of hospitality requires a reassessment of everything — practices, language, and symbols; rituals, confessions, and flags; sacraments, rulings, and where we falsely assume power is located. But it’s worth it. Because to experience the kind of hospitality that Jesus has in mind is to experience the love of our God — so deep, so wide, so huge; the love of our God which shows mercy no matter what; the love of our God which became flesh so that the doors of the divine heart might be flung open to all.”

If your congregation follows the narrative lectionary, check out these thoughts and reflections in friend Rev. Dr. Rolf Jacobson’s “Commentary on Psalm 146:1-10.”

Pastor and blogger Jan Edmiston wrote and shared, “Sorry. Not Sorry. (A Post for Women in Churches).”

Friend and communications director Hannah Heinzekehr is super excited for this week’s Mennonite Church USA Convention. For all those attending, she offers an invitation to “Meetup” to “talk gender justice, anti-oppression, the happenings at convention and to just say hello and gather with new and old friends alike.” If you are going to be there, definitely get to know Hannah!

Hannah also shared this post and poem, “It Stops with Me,” by Sarah Ann Bixler, responding to the question, “How can you imagine the church transformed through the work of the Women in Leadership Project?”

Church and Social Media (#ChSocM) shared a transcript of its twitter chat from last week discussing, “Social Media During Challenging Times and Timeline Interactions.”

Friend, pastor and blogger Diane Roth shared a wonderful reflection about “Grace.”

The ELCA has assembled and released for review resources for thinking about and discussing “Women and Justice.” What do you think of these?

Friend and pastor Rachel Ringlaben made the news in New Orleans in “New Latino Lutheran ministry to serve New Orleans area.”

The Millennial Journal shared the news this morning that the “Schedule (has been) released for Pope Francis’ Trip to the US.”

Congratulations and blessings are in order for the Episcopalian Church and to its newly elected bishop, Bishop Michael Curry.

Friend and director of Camp Hope, Neil Christians shared a good reflection on what is, and what is not “Youth Leadership” over on the LEAD blog.

Pastor and blogger Nurya Love Parish wrote and shared, “Murder in Charleston: The Episcopal Church is Responding (and needs your help).”

Friend and blogger Ian McConnell shared some big questions “Straight from the Lips of Young People.”

Speaking of young people, friend, pastor and mission developer Melissa Melnick wrote and shared, “And the Children Shall Lead.”

Friend and pastor Todd Buegler shared a guest post by pastor Paul Amlin about the ELCA’s upcoming National Youth Gathering, explaining “Why You Should Watch the Live Stream from Detroit (and ideas for doing so).”

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Friend from college and marketing and retail strategist Krista Gunstone explained about “How Starbucks Pioneered Mobile and Reaped Rewards.” The post was also shared here.

Chris Cillizza why he thinks last week “was the best week of President Obama’s presidency.”

Friend and professor Dr. Ron Byrnes offers a little water on that parade, however, in reflecting on “What the Affordable Care Act Gets Wrong.”

Blogger and social leadership theorist and practitioner Julian Stodd shared reflections in “Squatting,” and about “Social Learning: Birth of a Community.”

Leadership Thought & Practice

Sir Richard Branson shared about what he sees as “The next decade of good disruptions.”

Lolly Daskal shared “6 Warning Signs that You’re Failing as a Leader and How to Avoid It.” The warning signs she expands on are: you’ve become complacent and stagnant; you concentrate more on failure than success; you take more than you give; you make your mistakes feel more significant than your lessons; you seek easy instead of challenging yourself; and you hang out in your comfort zone instead of learning and growing.

Justin Irving shared reflections about the leadership practice of “Communicating with Clarity.”

Back in March, Annie McKee wrote that “Empathy is Key to a Great Meeting.”

Dan Rockwell shared a few great leadership reflections, including thoughts about “How to Reach the Ultimate Goal of Leadership,” “How Organizations become Great at Developing Great People,” and “16 Ways to Get to the Truth.”

Tanveer Naseer shared a guest post by Dr. Nancy O’Reilly about “6 Internal Sources of Strength for Leaders to Develop.”

Jeannie Walters explained “The 5 Customer Leadership Competencies Every CCO Must Embrace.” The competencies highlighted are: honor and manage customers as assets; align around experience; build a customer listening path; proactive experience reliability and innovation; leadership, accountability and culture.

Dorie Clark wrote and asked, “Social Leadership: Are We There Yet?”

Steve Keating wrote, “Don’t Worry about Mistakes and Problems,” and “Leadership Runs Downhill.”

In a good post from last summer, Jesse Singal wrote that “Companies with Diverse Boards Take Fewer Reckless Risks.”

Dan Forbes and Lead with Giants shared a guest post by Henna Inam explaining, “Why I Wrote a Book about Authenticity.”

Over at Thin Difference, Heidi Oran reflected in “Avoiding Complacency, Embracing Leadership.”

Millennials

Jon Mertz, also over at Thin Difference, shared about “MCON: Millennial Influence Rising, A Legacy to Leverage.”

Anne Loehr shared a very helpful “Nine Tips for Millennials to be Taken More Seriously at Work.” The tips include: let people talk about themselves and listen to them carefully; work on tone, grammar and overall rhetoric, edit ruthlessly; know what’s going on in the world; be both humble and confident; brush up on business etiquette, dress like a professional; display accountability; show conviction, don’t always say yes; keep posture open and upright; and be way more prepared than you think you need to be, every time.

Eric Worringer shared this look by Elizabeth Segran, “Inside Marriott’s Attempt to Win Over Millennials.”

Brigid Schulte wrote that, “Millennials are actually more generous than anybody realizes.”

Dr. Lisa Wade wrote that, “Millennials are No Less Racist than Generation X.” What do you think?

Neighbor Love

Friend, pastor and blogger Stephanie Vos shared a couple thought provoking posts over at the Salt Collective with implications for relationships, life and gender. First she wrote, “Feminists for #RealMen.” Stephanie also wrote and shared, “Stop Tryin’ to Put A Ring on It.” Check out both posts, see what you think and join the conversation.

Also at the Salt Collective, Rozella White wrote and shared about, “When I Found Out Dylann Roof was Raised in My Church.” I acknowledged and wrestled with that also in a recent sermon.

Rachel Held Evans wrote, “Repenting of ‘Colorblindness.'”

Pastor and blogger Clint Schnekloth wrote that, “We have a lot of work to do (#blacklivesmatter).” Clint also wrote and shared about, “The Non-Application Gospel.”

Friend and professor Dr. Mary Hess shared a great and helpful list of “Resources related to Charleston.”

Nate Pyle wrote that, “Removing the Flag is a Start, But it Won’t Kill the Monster.”

Despite news about the “Confederate flag” coming down, and a call to remove it, it was raised again over the weekend. In response to this a brave and courageous woman, Bree Newsome, climbed the flag pole and removed the “Confederate flag in front of SC statehouse.” Cousin Erin Parks also shared this post and exclusive from Bree Newsome.

Friend Ian McConnell shared a sermon from Babette Chatman, “Let’s Be Fair.”

Tiffany Stanley wrote and detailed, “For Charleston’s Emanuel A.M.E., a Legacy of Hope and Resistance.”

Friend, pastor and blogger Aaron Fuller shared his sermon for this past weekend based on Psalm 40, “Struggle in these exciting times.”

Greg Howard wrote that “President Obama took him to church,” in his eulogy and message at the funeral for Rev. Clementa Pinckney. Speaking of the eulogy, you can watch and listen to it in its entirety here.

Friend, blogger and artist Vonda Drees shared a number of beautiful posts over the past week. These include: “green wonder”; “respirar la vida ~ breathe life“; “embraced by the big story“; “walking each other home“; “the gift of yourself“; “I want to see the foundation“; and “liberation.”

For something totally different, Beatrice Gitau wrote about something you might see today in, “Star of Bethlehem? Jupiter and Venus Converge in night sky.”

Pastor and blogger Timothy Brown wrote about “Walking with Tragedy in One Hand and Hope in the Other.”

Kayla Koterwski wrote about, “The Day Grief and Celebration Walked Together.”

Speaking of celebration, news broke on Friday morning of the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage, legalizing it nationwide.

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding same-sex marriage, Wesley Hill wrote and shared a thoughtful perspective in “Hoping for Love.”

Also in response, Benjamin Corey wrote that, “Gay Marriage is the Law of the Land- And God isn’t Going to Freak Out About It.” I think there’s good food for thought and perspective here. What do you think?

Blogger and pastor Nancy wrote and asked, “Do I hear bells ringing?”

Jeffrey Salkin wrote that, “My aunts would have loved the Supreme Court marriage ruling.”

Friend, pastor and mission developer Melissa Melnick wrote about being an “Accidental Ally.”

Bishop Michael Rinehart wrote that, “The Wall on our Southern Border is Built on Racism and a Myth.”

Friend, blogger and communications strategist Carrie Gubsch shared this post by Ben Connor on “The Giving and Receiving of Hospitality.”

Social Media & Blogging

Friend and blogger J.W. Wartick shared his version of the links for his last week with his “Really Recommended Posts.” I’m grateful that one of my posts from last week was included. Thank you J.W.!

I also shared another post, reflecting about “Reunions, Memories and Social Media.”

Stewardship

Friend, professor and mentor Dr. Terri Elton shared a great set of 7 TED talks “On generosity.”

The COMPASS blog continued its June series about how to have fun during the summer while on a budget. Nicole Brennan from the Barnabas Foundation shared a two-part series with tips for travel and vacations on a budget. Nicole shared, “Tips for Travel, Vacations, or Staycations on a Budget,” as well as “More Tips for Travel on a Budget.”

Friend and Classy Frugalist, Grace Duddy Pomroy shared good thoughts on “How to Host a Frugal Party.”

Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wrote, “Unglamorous yet vital: Our relationship with money is a profoundly spiritual issue.”

Vocation

Friends Katie and Will shared an update from their journey and time abroad in “There Is Something in Our Ceiling.” That reminds me of the creature that lived in the wall in my seminary apartment building a few years ago.

My wife Allison Siburg shared some life and vocational updates and reflections about “Coloring books and being a chaplain.” I’m biased of course, but I love Allison’s writing and storytelling. For example, she wrote, “But for now I’m just trying to be as much Allison as I can while also being a chaplain. I’m sure some use CPE to “try on” what it means or feels like to be a pastor or a chaplain. I don’t think that’s for me. What I think is working, is being myself, while showing up in the world through this vocation as a chaplain/pastor. Who knew it took so much courage to show up as yourself. But it’s a good challenge, a good opportunity. And I get to use colored pencils and talk about where we want to live when we grow up. I’m not sure what’s next. I just know who will be there: 1. Allison, and 2. God.”

Adrianne Jamieson wrote that “PLU’s Twin Cities Alumni Chapter Screens Award-Winning Media Lab Film.”

Friend and blogger Julia Nelson shared a couple of her regular installments of “Tuesday Tea Time,” and “Sunday Snippets.”

From the Twin Cities, Aimee Blanchette wrote that, “Weatherman Jerrid Sebesta forecasts a bright future after dropping out of the rat race.”

Friend and professor Dr. Ron Byrnes wrote and shared, “What I Got Wrong about Professional Golf.”

Miscellaneous

Friend, math teacher and Mariners blogger Tim Chalberg shared a few great posts with plenty of food for thought about: Taijuan “Walker’s Progress“; the exciting news that “Death to Flying Things” returned; and about how the “Mariners Could Exploit a Seller’s Market.” It’s hard to argue with that, especially since the Mariners found a new way to lose on Sunday, a walk-off by a wild pitch. Ouch.

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That will wrap up this week’s edition of the links. I hope you have enjoyed them! Next week’s edition may be delayed a bit because of the 4th of July weekend, but we’ll see. Until next time, thank you for reading and being part of the conversation! Blessings on your week! -TS

Image Credits: The Links; Warning Sign; “walking each other home” and “Instructions for living a life.”