By Stan Friedman

CHICAGO, IL (March 23, 2012) – Many Covenanters routinely share links to social media articles and videos with one another that Covenant News Service believes may be of interest to others. Following is a sample of those submissions – their inclusion does not represent an endorsement of any views expressed.

20 Essential TED Talks for Future Leaders – TEDS conferences are premier events. This is a great way to get some free continuing education.

Is Shaking Hands Too Dangerous? – Really? Is our germaphobia approaching Howard Hughes’ proportions? Should pastors shake congregants’ hands? A Covenant minister is quoted.

Tithing: No ‘Buts’ About It – Some tough words from a kind friend who comes clean about lying to himself.

Churches Embrace Mental Health Training – “Mental Health First Aid helps people (in the church) assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help.” To learn more about the need, read Erasing the Stigma: Understanding Mental Illness.

Why We Need Pain – Dave Gibbons is a Covenant pastor and has written an excellent article on how we respond to pain: cover, confess, embrace, guided by it, and using it as a gift.

Network on Transitions to Adulthood – The Network on the Transitions to Adulthood, which is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, examines the changing nature of early adulthood (ages 18-34) and the policies, programs, and institutions that support young people. This area of ministry is one that often is overlooked. The site refers to books and other resources, but if you look – especially at the bottom of the home page – there are links to online articles and demographics.

Doing Nothing for Lent – Cathleen Falsani, one of the premier writers on religion, reflects on talks by Eugene Peterson that she recently heard. She is amazed at how content, energized, and fascinated by the world he is. What’s his secret? There’s really nothing to it.
Cathleen Falsani

Married to an Extrovert – It’s not easy if you’re an introvert. Just ask my wife. Or you can read this humorous piece rooted in realism that is lived out by opposites in so many marriages. The author considers why the attraction.

Editor’s note: If you have a link you would like considered for publication, please email Covenant Communications.