Resources
Newest Curricula Additions to the Resource Center
Vacation Bible School Kits listed as "Top Picks" from the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary --View them at the Resource Center
Walk It Out: Together in the Way of Jesus
A new intergenerational and multicultural Christian education resource for Vacation Bible School from Abingdon Press. Participants experience the joy of using their minds and bodies for God through dancing, marching, singing, praying and shouting as well as listening to Bible lessons that apply to their daily lives. Children learn about grace, power, persistence, and the joy of learning and walking together in the light of God through the lives of James Lawson, Ruby Sales, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Andrew Young and Dolores Huerta, all heroes of the mid-20th century Freedom Movement. It includes lots of music and movement which is always a highlight of VBS programming.
Rainbow Village: A Tree Top Bible Blast!
Explore God's wondrous love in the tree top canopy from Augsburg Fortress. This is a rotation program that helps children experience the importance of stewardship, or "how we can live each and every day as we care for what God has so generously given us." Daily lessons feature Ruth (We Share), Elisha (We Give), Parable of the Mustard Seed (We Grow), Jesus the Vine (We Love) and Jesus enters Jerusalem (We Praise). Activities include assembly worship, games, videos, crafts, drama, science, songs and a mission project. Promotes environmental stewardship and global perspectives.
Bible Teaching Curricula
FaithTalk Sets
From the Youth and Family Institute, these handy conversation starters have been out for a number of years. FaithTalk is designed for adults and youth to provide meaningful sharing of memories, activities, specific events and value-forming experiences of faith for small groups of people. The cards are divided into groups of Memories, Etchings (events), Values and Actions. FaithTalk with Children is designed to provide opportunities for parents and other adults to have meaningful conversations with children about God's presence and faithfulness in their lives. Their cards are divided up into sections called Memories, Growing Together, Actions & Feelings, and Wondering. Come borrow a set and try it out in your parish!
Finding Your Way Through the Bible
A Self-instruction book for elementary age from Abingdon Press
Based on the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (and Abingdon's new Children's Bible), this booklet provides an instructional and fun way for middle and older elementary age children to learn about the Bible and how to use it. Each child will need their own book and works at their own pace. The booklet can be completed in from one to 4 hours, depending upon the age and ability levels.
Crossings: God's Journey with Us
This is a pre-confirmation program, from Logos, for youth, ages 12-14, looking at faith development as a journey of people together. This journey is through the Bible, looking at eight foundation or core stories: God's call, the Exodus, the Sinai covenant, the Promised land, the Davidic rule, Jesus' life, the Cross, and Resurrection life. These are each developed through 15 sessions of Old Testament study and 15 of the New Testament, with three retreats at the beginning, middle, and end of the course. The program consists of the Leader's Guide, poster set, X-treme Bible Trivia game and a Youth Journal for each participant.
Worship for Life
This curriculum, another from Logos, introduces the elements of worship and helps elementary age children participate and delight in worshiping God through a variety of media. It includes 13 units on the various parts of worship with each unit providing 19 unique lessons in areas such as art, textiles, mime, computer, dance, drama, games, music and puppetry. The Resource Center has units on Worship (in general), baptism and communion. We know that Christian education involves more than an hour a week of Sunday School lessons. This curriculum can help your children to collaboratively identify and experience Christian formation opportunities in worship as well.
Choices: Stewardship Youth Education Packet
This packet is a way of talking about stewardship with youth and adults involving eight different realms of life in which to use good stewardship -- choices, creation, community, gifts and talents, body/mind/spirit, time, money and spiritual life. Each session has a folder that outlines the biblical foundations, the stewardship theme, activities and studies and suggestions for teaching -- worksheets, a trivia game, and poster are included and Daily Journals for participants are really cool. This is a publication of the Presbyterian Church, USA.
Gather ‘Round, Hearing & Sharing God's Good News
This is a Sunday school Bible curriculum, from Brethren Press, created for children, youth, and the adults who care for them. It invites adults to gather around the biblical story with children and youth to learn and grow together in faith. The curriculum materials (leader and student) serve children ages three through youth in 12th grade with a Parent/Caregiver booklet designed for group or individual study. A "TalkAbout" is produced for each family every quarter and is designed to sit on the dining table and encourage families to reflect and act upon each week's session. The set the Resource Center currently has is from Fall 2006-7 featuring Creation and Covenant (Genesis). In all years, Old Testament stories are studied in the Fall, New Testament in the Spring, with special sections for Advent and Lent and each year they provide a special Summer session for those with year-round Sunday Schools.
The Way of Pilgrimage: An Adventure in Spiritual Formation for the Next Generation, Leader's Guide with the accompanying Choosing Pilgrimage Participant's Book
Written by Sally Chambers, Jonathon Norman & Gavin Richardson for the Companions in Christ series from Upper Room, this is a small-group spiritual formation experience for senior-high youth and first-year college students. There are five six-week components that take participants on a pilgrimage guided by scripture, daily exercises, and short readings. The focus is: "Pilgrimage is not about the destination. It's about the journey."
Worship Feast: 20 Complete Services in the Spirit of Taize and the Worship Feast Taize Songbook
From Abingdon Press's Worship Feast collection, these 20 services provide a sampling of the style of worship, from the brothers in Taize France, that creates sacred space - and silence -- to listen to God. It provides music, ideas on space, scripture ideas, meditations and prayers, along with the Taize Songbook and CD with songs like: Loaves and Fishes, Overcoming Doubts, Streams in the Desert, Sing Out My Soul and Don't Worry; Have Peace. Perfect for youth ministry and adults as well.
Newest Books
The Children's Minister, by Rita B. Hays (Discipleship Resources) is a practical guide to ministering with children and their families. Plenty of books help with programming but when it comes to the ministry needs of children who, too, are looking for pastoral help, guidance, and support, this book can provide guidance to the Christian educator or children's minister for their task.
Celebrating the Offering, by Melvin Amerson and James Amerson (Discipleship Resources) gives congregational leaders the Biblical and practical resources necessary to strengthen the giving patterns of congregations. It invites parishioners to see the spiritual value both in the process of and the participation in worship through sharing and giving - the creation of a generous culture.
Thank God for Rocks, by Esther Bender, illustrated by Mary Anne Lard (Morehouse). This book was read to me at a conference. It's a children's book but the first time I heard it my mind went directly to a Vestry meeting. It's a story about being grateful for everything that we are given (whether we think it's such a great gift at the time, or not).
Faith-Forming Junior High Ministry: Beyond Pizza 101, by Drew A. Dyson (Abingdon Press), takes a fresh look at being in ministry with junior high youth. Be reminded of your passion for communicating the gospel to this special group. Learn to see God's face in theirs. Find ways to show them God's grace (instead of your anger when they giggle through your prayer time!) Saving our young people is not our job, but God's. But our job is to prepare them for the long journey of faith.
Freshman Fifteen: A College Guide to Staying Healthy, Happy and Holy , by Julia McCarty (Abingdon Press), provides 15 steps to help high school seniors going off to college to have a great freshman (and beyond) experience. Chapters include: Stay Healthy, Prioritize, Don't Do Too Much, Keep and Open Mind and Keep God First. Julia herself is a senior in college and this book would make a great gift. Along with the advice and stories, her goal in writing the book is to help freshman learn to persevere, trust God, and seek God's guidance.
Soul Tending: Life-forming Practices for Older Youth and Young Adults, edited by Jennifer A. Youngman (Abingdon Press), this book offers ways to engage the practices of the Christian faith in the everyday lives of senior high youth and young adults. There is a full buffet of 43 individual and communal practices (from the perspective of 13 authors) that have the power and potential to form mature faith in teenagers and adults alike. With a healthy balance between faithful instruction (information) and soulful experience (formation), this is a primer in spirituality in the best sense of the word.
Remember, for questions, or to borrow or reserve resources, contact Linda Scott or call her at 404-601-5353; 800-537-6743 x 155
MDG RESOURCES
MDG (Millennium Development Goals) Calendar Idea!
From Sharon Ely Pearson, formerly from the Diocese of Connecticut, in her February 2007 e-newsletter.
Put an MDG on Your Calendar:
February 14th -- Valentine's Day: Pray for universal primary education for all children in the world. Read Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus welcoming children). According to tradition, Saint Valentine was a priest who was jailed for aiding persecuted Christians and credited for curing his jail keeper's daughter of blindness.
March 8th- Universal Women's Day: Pray for gender equality and women's empowerment. Read Jeremiah 8:22 (Balm in Gilead). This day commemorates a march of women garment and textile workers in Nw York City in 1857.
April 22nd - Earth Day: Pray for our environment. Read Amos 5:24 (Let justice roll down like waters). First celebrated in 1970, this day draws attention to the wonders of the earth and rallies support to protect the future of our environment.
May - Mother's Day: Pray for the improvement of maternal health. Read Genesis 35:16-20 (Rachel weeping for her children) and Isaiah 65:20 (life span of a child). A day to honor mothers as well as work for their improved health.
June - Father's Day: Pray for the reduction of child mortality. Read Mark 5:21-43 (Jairus' daughter). Both fathers and mothers have an influence on children's lives.
July 4th - Independence Day: Pray for our world. Read I Corinthians 12 (the inter-connectedness of the Body of Christ and our need to work together). While celebrating our national independence, remember how we are "interdependent" on one another and other nations.
November - Thanksgiving Day: Pray for the reduction of poverty and hunger. Read Luke 8:1-15 (Parable of the Sower). This day provides an opportunity to share what we have with others as well as to commit ourselves to working to reduce poverty and hunger.
December 1st - World AIDS Day: Pray for those suffering from disease. Read Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus heals a paralyzed man). In 1988, The World Health Organization declared this day as one to observe and focus global attention on the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and the progress that has been made to fight this disease.
Mission and Ministry through the Millennium Development Goals: A resource for parish study
This resource was developed earlier this year by the Rev. Leon Spencer at the School of Ministry in the Diocese of North Carolina. The intent is for people to reflect upon God's mission on earth, upon God's calling to us to fulfill that mission, and to consider how the MDGs may relate to mission and ministry. Sessions include: God's mission, the church's ministry, and our calling; the church and the MDGs; The MDG's; A vision of partnership; and What shall we do? The two resources recommended for the course are Eradicating Global Poverty (see below) and What Can One Person Do: Faith to heal a Broken World (also below).
If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World's People
Written by David J. Smith and illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong, this book provides a way for children (and adults) to begin to understand who we are, where we live, how fast we are growing, what languages we speak, what religions we practice and more. At this moment, there are more than 6 billion people on the planet! But what if we imagine the whole world as a village of just 100 people? This book does just that! One of the websites referred to in the back of the book under the "Teaching children about the global village" section is www.mapping.com/gv . And this website leads you to another with all kinds of teaching tools, the CyberSchoolBus .
Eradicating Global Poverty: a Christian Study Guide on the Millennium Development Goals
written by Lally Lloyd, published by the National Council of the Churches of Christ, 2006
"Ours is the first generation in the history of the world with the ability to eradicate extreme poverty. We have the means, the resources and the know-how. All we lack is the will." Jeffrey Sachs, General Convention of the Episcopal Church, 2003.
A six-session resource for Christian congregations who are, or are becoming, socially active and globally conscious. It connects Christian faith, teachings and traditions to the billions of people living in extreme poverty and calls Christians to take action, using the Millennium Development Goals as the framework for reflection, study and action. Preview it at the Resource Center or go to http://www.ncccusa.org/news/060201eradicatingpoverty.html for more information or to purchase your own copy ($7.95 from Friendship Press).
What Can One Person Do? Faith to Heal a Broken World
written by Sabina Alkire and Edmund Newell (Church Publishing, 2005)
This book confronts a poverty-stricken world, and with clarity of purpose, offers practical steps to create lasting change. The authors demonstrate that as shared vision grows and as the Millennium Development Goals are accomplished, human communities shall indeed flourish.
In eight sections (one for each Goal), you will find a human story, an exploration of the intersection of Christian faith and poverty reduction, an up-to-date briefing on an aspect of poverty and progress so far, a poem, quotation or meditation for spiritual reflection or worship, discussion questions, and action points for specific, high-impact ways to use limited time and resources strategically and effectively to reduce poverty and suffering. Check it out at the Resource Center or purchase one from the Cathedral Bookstore in Atlanta, Georgia by emailing them at cbs3@mindspring.com or phone 404-237-7582.
Books on Disabilities & Children with Special Needs
Cory Stories: A Kid's Book about Living with ADHD
By Jeanne Kraus (Magination Press, 2005)
For children ages 6-11, Cory has lots of stories to tell: "I have tons of great ideas, but it's hard to explain all of them." "Sometimes I talk before I think, and then I say something that gets me in trouble." "I want to be a good friend, but lots of times I feel so jumpy inside that I can't calm down." Tells lots of ways to get organized, pay attention, calm down, remember things, make friends, and feel good about himself and life with ADHD.
Disability Ministry Information for Dummies
CCFH Ministries and Zachariah's Way, 2004
This book is a compilation of information on working with people with special needs. The publishers are organizations working to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and their families. It's for congregations to use as they strive to welcome and minister to and with children, youth and adults who have a variety of special needs. Topics include:Introduction, Is Your Church Ready for Disability Ministry?, Categories of Children with Disabilities, The Theory and Practice of Inclusion, A Plan-Not a Program, The Basic Components of a Disability Ministry, Students with Learning Disabilities, Respite Care and other ideas for enhancing disability ministry. Zachariah's Way is based in Gainesville, GA and you can visit their website at www.zachariahsway.com
Exceptional Teaching: A comprehensive Guide for Including Students with Disabilities
By Jim Pierson (Standard Publishing, 2002)
Since a national count began in 1976, the number of students in special education has grown by 51 percent, to a total of 11 percent of the public school population. Pierson explains the characteristics of 77 diagnoses so that you can identify the challenges, learn how to approach that child, know what teaching and discipline methods work best, and understand what you can expect that child to accomplish.
Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities
by Erik W. Carter (Brookes Publishing, 2007)
A congregational community is an ideal place to share and strengthen faith, form lasting relationships, and develop special gifts and talents. With this guide, congregations will get the realistic how-to strategies they need to become places of welcome and belonging for people with a wide range of disabilities. The author is Assistant Professor, in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention: A Book for Kids about ADHD
By Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D. and Ellen B. Dixon, Ph.D. (Magination Press, 2005)
Written for ages 6-11 diagnosed with ADHD, the book is packed with practical tips, know-how, and fun. It has solutions for situations at home, at school and with friends: getting homework done, making friends, remembering stuff, dealing with feelings, staying focused, asking for help and more.
Many Ways to Learn: Young People's Guide to Learning Disabilities
By Judith Stern, M.A. & Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D. (Magination Press, 1996)
Written for children ages 8-14, the user-friendly text describes different kinds of learning disabilities, reassuring children without overwhelming them. It explains that they have average (if not above average) intelligence and discusses the many things kids can do to reach their goals.
Oh Brother! Growing Up with a Special Needs Sibling
By Natalie Hale (Magination Press, 2004)
Being the brother or sister of a child with special needs has special challenges. This book is for 8-13 year old siblings of special needs children, It talks about finding the right kind of friends, getting quality time with parents, caring about a special needs sibling without becoming another parents and much more.
Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons that Medicine Cannot Teach
By Vincent J. Monastra, Ph.D. (American Psychological Association, 2005)
Shows parents how to build a successful parenting program at home. He explains the causes of ADHD and how nutrition, medication, and parental guidance can improve attention, concentration, and behavioral control. Describes non-confrontational ways to teach your child essential life skills like organization, problem solving and emotional control.
Putting on the Brakes: Young People's Guide to Understanding ADHD
By Patricia O. Quinn, M.D. and Judith M. Stern, M.A. (Magination Press, 2001 rev.)
All you need to know about attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity: A classic resource for young people coving: what is going on in the brain? What are you felling? Getting support - Getting organized - Making friends - Understanding medication.
The GIFT of Dyslexia: why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read...and How They Can Learn
By Ronald D. Davis (Berkley Publishing, 1994)
Like other dyslexics, Ronald Davis was gifted with an unusual talent for creativity and imagination...yet, he grew up wondering why he couldn't function right in school. At the age of thirty-eight he made a discovery that enabled him to read a book, cover to cover, in just a few hours. Davis shares what everyone needs to know about dyslexia and is the founder of the Reading Research Council's Dyslexia Correction Center in Burlingame, CA. His procedures, outlined clearly and simply, can by used by others to overcome the difficulties of dyslexia.
The Myth of the A.D.D.* child: 50 Ways to Improve Your Child's Behavior and Attention Span without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion
By Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. (Penguin Books, 1995)
First book to challenge the misdiagnosing of children with attention deficit disorder and question the overuse of psychoactive drugs in treating hyperactivity. Armstrong believes that many behaviors labeled as ADD are a child's active response to complex social, emotional, and educational influences and by tackling the root causes, parents can help their children experience positive changes in their lives.
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New Videos to borrow...
Exploring God's Purpose for Your Life
FOR HIGH SCHOOL & YOUNG PEOPLE -- 40 minutes, Paraclete, 2004
In today's fast-paced and stress-oriented world, it is hard for young people to stop and search for God's will for their lives. This video explores the path for finding God's will, offering six segments:
- God Has a Purpose for Your Life
- Seeking God
- Obstacles to Hearing God
- Trusting God
- Making Decisions, and
- Steps of Faith
A study/discussion guide is enclosed.
Love is Patient: Saving sex for marriage
FOR YOUTH -- 30 minutes, Paraclete, 2004
Sexual intimacy is a gift from God to be enjoyed within marriage. But choosing to save sex for marriage is difficult for young epople, especially in today's society. The young people on this video and their counselors share their personal thoughts and raise a number of issues that are of concern to the youth and their families. You may not agree with all the premises the video brings, but the issues are valid and deserve discussion. The segments are titled:
- God's design for sex
- Consequences of sex before marriage
- Forgiveness--making a fresh start
- Body, mind, and spirit
- Choosing God's way
- Real love
A study guide is included.
Faithful and Wise: Being A Good Steward
45 minutes, Paraclete Videos, 2004
Ask most Christians what the word "stewardship" means to them, and you will most likely get answers that center around giving money to the church. When we serve God with all the gifts he has given us, the blessings to ourselves and to others will be multiplied far beyond what we can imagine. The video looks at how we can expand our giving into every facet of our lives: Our possessions, time, talents and skills, physical environment, spiritual environment, and our money.
The Four Acts of Prayer
with Walter Wangerin, Jr., 132 minutes (10 segments) Paraclete Videos, 2005
Wangerin uses stories to explore these vital elements of the complete circle of praying: we speak, God listens, God speaks, we listen. He shows us that these four simple acts, practiced and developed with diligence, bring us into a close communion with God that supports us in our daily living. A study guide breaks the video into 10 sessions.
Growing Together: Building a marriage that lasts
75 minutes, Paraclete Videos, 2002
Whether newly married or celebrating a fiftieth wedding anniversary, couples often question whether their relationship is strong, lasting and fulfilling. Hosted by Walter Wangerin, Jr., the video gives a practical and thought-provoking perspective on helping couples craft a loving and enduring marriage. A study guide provides 10 sessions which include: Introduction; Looking at your spouse in reality; Forgiveness in the marriage relationship; Six Steps to Forgiveness; Building trust; Sharing the work of marriage; Talking and listening; Physical intimacy; Avoiding adultery; and Assessing your marriage.
The Lord's Prayer: Entering into God's Country
with Walter Wangerin, Jr., 90 minutes, Paraclete Videos, 2004
Explore the petitions and the structure of the Lord's Prayer. Wangerin sheds light on what the Lord's Prayer reveals about God's nature and our own natrue, and on how we should live in relationship with God and one another. Divided into eight segments covering each phrase, you will uncover new meaning in this cherished prayer. A study guide suggests questions, class activities and journaling opporunities.
The Power of Forgiveness
40 minutes, Paraclete Videos, 2005
Every human being gets hurt in ways both big and small, and in turn we sometimes inflict hurt on others. There comes a time when we face the difficult choice to forgive others and to forgive ourselves. These four studies can open our minds and our hearts to a new understanding of forgiveness: The origin of forgiveness; What is forgiveness? Why do we need to forgive? and How is forgivness possible. Features Everett J. Worthington, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Templeton Foundation's Campaign for Forgiveness Research.
New DVD's
Another Way: Anglican Religious Orders in North America
15 minutes, Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas
The Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church in the United States have 23 Religious Orders with hundreds of members. Engaged in vastly different ministries, from social activism to largely hidden lives of contemplation, they seek to follow the Gospel commandments to love. The three part program shares The History of Religious Life, The Story of Anglican Religious Orders, and Anglican Religious Orders Today. If you are wondering about the religious life or just curious about how vowed brothers and sisters live, this presentation will be helful and inspiring.
After Katrina, Help & Hope: The healing hand of love and recovery
25 minutes, Episcopal Media Center, 2006
Follow disaster relief expert and Anglican scholar, Dr. Courtney Cowart, as she confronts the scenes of destruction left by Hurricane Katrina, showing how no expression of love can be turned away. From the work of the church and its ministers to the culture of jazz and artists, we witness the human hunger to help those in need.
How to Get Blessed without Sneezing: Rediscovering the Beatitudes
25 minutes, Episcopal Media Center FOR CHILDREN
8 funny fables based on some of the wisest words ever spoken!
An eight session guide, used with the DVD looks at each of the Beatitudes in ways that are developmentally appropriate. It will help the children remember them so as they grow, their understanding of the Beatitudes will grow with them. Actors in the segments are world-reknowned clown Avner Eisenberg and New Mickey Mouse Club actor Fred Newman.
Active Parenting of Teens: Lunch & Learn Set
6 DVD video set. www.activeparenting.com
Learn concrete steps for guiding your teen using clear, honest communication and respectful discipline. Special attention is given to teen drug use, sexuality and violence. Kit includes 6 DVDs leader's guide and one participant book.
- What's Your Parenting Style?: And how does it influence your teen? (27 mins.) Identify three styles of parenting and explore the pros and cons of each. Discover how physical and emotional changes affect a teen's behavior and how you can help them face these challenges.
- Your Teen's Success Cycle: How to build self-esteem, courage and positive behavior. (23 mins.) Learn how courage and self-esteem are the foundations for positive behavior and success; "think-feel-do" cycle affects a teen's choices; use the power of encouragement to build up your teen's courage and self-esteem; four discouraging influences on a teen's self-esteem. (also available in VHS format)
- Sidestepping the Power Struggle: How to redirect your teen's misbehavior. (28 mins) Identify which of the five basic behavior-causing gols your teen is trying to reach when he or she misbehaves, and how to react in a way that will influence positive behavior. Discover how to avoid power struggles and learn ways to solve problems WITH your teen, instead of FOR him or her. Set up guidelines for parties and dating.
- Effective Discipline: How to raise a responsible teen (28 mins) Go beyond "grounding" and traditional punishments to learn discipline skills, including the use of "logical consequences" that build cooperation and responsibility. Watch as a family brainstorms ways for a son to improve his grades.
- Active Communication: How to strengthen your relationship with your teen (28 mins) Discover ways to avoid mixed messages and other communication blocks, and how to really talk with your teen. Watch as a parent discusses drugs and alcohol with her teens and another as a father and son discuss sexual issues.
- The Magic of Family Meetings: How they solve problems and teach values (29 mins) It is important to give teens a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Learn two types of family discussions that will give you and your teen the opportunity to effectively express opinions, solve problems cooperatively, negotiate differing points of view, and treat each other respectfully.
