IOWA RELIGIOUS MEDIA SERVICES

               "your ecumenical media library"

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Iowa Religious Media Services is continually adding resources to our collection, with new items being added to our catalog nearly every week. This page gives you an "at-a-glance" look at some of our newest titles. 

BOOKS

Christian Life, The: A Geography of God (BK205)
This book is a clear treatment, in non-technical language, of the nature of the Christian life, providing readers with some hints about what they may experience during their individual journeys. • Age: YA • 135 pages

What It Means to Be Human: Living with Others before God (BK303)
Human beings are created by God and defined by relationships - both with God and with each other. As Christians, we believe that people are created by God. But what does it mean to be created by God? What is it that God has created? The author encourages readers to think about these questions as they explore this brief but complete approach to the Christian doctrine of humanity. • Age: SYA • 108 pages

Lent and Easter With Mary (BK1279)
50 daily devotions for Lent and Easter spotlights Marian-related events in religious life, art, music, history, and literature. And celebrates the lives of saints who were especially devoted to Mary. • Age: A • 212 pages

Sex God: Exploring The Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality (BK1280)
An exploration of the author's belief in the inseparable connection between spirituality and sexuality via biblical reflection and contemporary stories. Includes endnotes, resources, and questions for discussion. Useful for individual, couple, and group study and discussion. • Age: SYA • 201 pages

Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (BK1281)
velvet elvis (CD75)
A re-exploration of the Christian journey via the image of an evolving, unfinished painting. • Age: YA • 194 pages

Tobee and the Amazing Bird Choir (BK1282)
Presents the story of Tobee from his birth in the pine forest through his illegal capture and transport to New York City, where he, along with his family and friends, becomes part of a nationally acclaimed finch choir. Tobee discovers true heroism as he struggles to grow into responsible adulthood in the midst of difficult circumstances. Written for individual or group programs, Tobee provides older children with an adventurous, historically based story that will encourage them to explore themes of happiness, courage, liberation, heroism, risks of judging others, value of God-given creation, human-animal relationships, family, maturation, and self-knowledge. Includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter. • Age: EJ • 97 pages

Bless This Day: 150 Everyday Prayers for grades 1-5 (BK1283)
Contains prayers that speak to children's experience of God. Written for grades 1-5 in simple language that children can understand. The book has ten theme-based chapters. Usable in a wide variety of educational settings and celebrations. • Age: EEJ • 157 pages

Time To Pray! Seasonal Prayers for Middle Grades (BK1284)
Features thirty simple prayer services for use throughout the year, each focusing on a saints day, a liturgical season, a time in the school year, or particular need. Each service includes scripture readings, prayers, petitions, litanies, responses, and more. Each also contains an optional activity that students can complete beforehand and incorporate into the service. Designed with grades 3 to 6 in mind, these services may be adapted for use with other ages as well. Includes permission for teachers to duplicate. • Age: J • 157 pages

Promise To Mary: A Story of Faith in Action (BK1285)
The story of Faith In Action, the nationwide grant program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that brings together Americans of all faiths to provide volunteer care and support to people in their communities who are confined to their homes because of chronic health condition or disability. • Age: YA • 279 pages

Book of Order: The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Part II 2007-2009 (BK1286)
The second part of the Consititution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) contains the Form of Government, the Directory for Worship, and the Rules of Discipline. Additional information is provided to the reader through the inclusion of Received Ecumenical Statements of Guidance, Articles of Agreement, and material on the seal of the Presbyterian Church (USA). • Age: A

Embracing the Mystery: The Sacred Unfolding in Ordinary People and Everyday Lives (BK1287)
This is a collection of spiritually probing and inspiring stories, concluding with questions and meditations to help spiritual seekers unearth and embody our true nature. • Age: A • 321 pages

Light and Images: Elements of Contemplation (BK1288)
Translation form the German by David Schindler, Jr. Sets forth the deepest theological foundations of contemplative prayer according to the reciprocal relationship between light and images. An incomparable introduction for those who wish to learn what it means to pray. • Age: A • 155 pages

To The World: A Conversion Story (BK1289)
The personal story of one person's search for purpose, healing, and directionand the conversion which led the author to form Respond Ministry. • Age: YA • 177 pages

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CDs and CD-ROMs

Survivors (CD70=)
The "Survivors" daily radio series is intended for members of the Millennial Generation. Produced cooperatively by United Methodist Communications (UMCom) with Presbyterian Media Mission (PMM), these programs offer one-minute glimpses into the life of a young person today. "Survivors" represents an effort to help remind listeners that, in a day when some youth are involved with destructive behaviors, many others are making positive differences in their lives and neighborhoods. Youth, along with parents, teachers, neighbors and others, will be interested in this series, featuring real youth, revealing in their own words amazing stories of survival in a world of drugs, gangs, sex and violence. • Age: JSYA • 41 minutes

Gospel of Jesus, The (CD76)
Scripture contains four separate accounts of Jesus' life on earth: the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This harmonization blends all four accounts into a single coherent story in plain English about the birth of Jesus, His baptism, His preaching and His miracles, His stories, His jousting with the Pharisees and scholars, His death at the hands of His enemies, and His appearance to His followers. Quietly read by radio storyteller Garrison Keillor, this audio book includes 6 compact discs and a discussion guide. • Age: SYA • 435 minutes

Amazing Bible Race - Leg 1 (CR67)
Your youth will go on a scavenger hunt through the Bible and read it in its entirety over six 12-week legs. How many times have you wished your youth knew more of the Bible? Sure, they can give you a rundown of the some familiar stories; but when was the last time they looked at the Bible as a scavenger-hunt, digging and searching for new discoveries to open up their faith? The Amazing Bible Race was created with that in mind. Teams will work together to solve weekly challenges, encourage one another, and build community as you all “race” toward this goal. The Amazing Bible Race is less like a sprint and more like a marathon, building knowledge, endurance, and faith with every chapter read. The Amazing Bible Race is a 6-volume scavenger hunt through the Bible for youth groups. More details are available at www.amazingbiblerace.com. • Age: JS

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DVDs

Lord's Prayer, The: Entering into God's Country (DV243)
The Lord´s Prayer may be the most well-known and well-loved prayer in history. And yet this prayer that Jesus himself gave us is almost mysterious in its simplicity. In this study, author Walter Wangerin, Jr. explores the petitions and the structure of the Lord´s Prayer. Wangerin sheds light on what the Lord´s Prayer reveals about God´s nature, our own nature, and how we should live in relationship with God and one another. Divided into eight segments covering each phrase of the Lord´s Prayer, the video uncovers new meaning in this cherished prayer. The accompanying study guide offers scripture references, class activities, and journaling topics. • Age: SYA • 90 minutes

36 Parables (DV283=)
Each DVD in the 36 Parables series contains short films depicting three beloved parables in modern situations. Shot in widescreen format with surround sound, the films are thought-provoking teaching tools that capture the mind and the heart. • Age: JSYA

ReGroup: Training Groups to Be Groups (DV346)
Featuring Henry Cloud, Bill Donahue, and John Townsend, this study establishes a whole new training paradigm—one that equips leaders and groups simultaneously and gives them everything they need to start and sustain a life-changing group. This DVD-based training experience will lead you and your group together to a remarkable new closeness and effectiveness. Designed to foster healthy interaction and facilitate maximum growth, this innovative approach equips both leaders and members with essential skills and values for creating and sustaining truly life-changing small groups. • Age: YA • 240 minutes

We Are the Ones - A short film by Paul Hopkins (DV445)
We Are The Ones is yet another Star Thrower Distribution inspirational program that encourages us to look to ourselves for leadership and positive change. Taken from A Message from The Elders, Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona, this 5-minute resource will help any organization come a step closer to recognizing and achieving their goals. “We have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour. Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.” The study includes Training Information, Training Guide, Self-study Guide, Power point Presentation, Transcript, and Faith Guide (with Thoughts for Discussion and Reflection and scripture references) available on line from Star Thrower. • Age: SYA • 5 minutes

Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2007 (DV517)
This DVD is filled with fun memories coming to life once again. The worship, the fun, the people and the Spirit of the event are recaptured for viewers to enjoy over and over. This resource is a great tool to help interpret Triennium, as well as youth ministry in the Presbyterian Church, to congregations. • Age: JSYA • 30 minutes

Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles over Authentication Part 1 (DV518)
A series of twenty-four lectures by a leading scholar in the field of textual criticism and early Christianity. Ehrman explores the varieties of belief and practice in early Christianity and the texts which divergent groups held sacred and the process by which the church determined which groups and their writings were heretical and which were orthodox and which writings would be included in the canon of scripture. Each lecture is thirty minutes. Includes a guide with an outline of each lecture and questions for discussion. • Age: A • 360 minutes

Godspell (DV524)
The film opens with John the Baptist calling a diverse group of young New Yorkers from their workday lives to follow and learn from a modern Jesus. They form a roving acting troupe that enacts the parables through humor, mime and memorable song and dance. Jesus' ministry ends with a last Supper, His Passion and Crucifixion in a junkyard and, the following morning, His glorious Resurrection back into the world of the living joined by His disciples on the streets of New York. The DVD version contains additional special features, including production notes, musical highlights and talent files. • Age: EJSYA • 105 minutes

Generation Next: Speak Up Be Heard (DV536)
In this revealing documentary, journalist Judy Woodruff takes viewers across the United States to examine the lives of 16- to 25-year-olds—a demographic that many are calling “Generation Next.” Traveling through the Northeast, the South, the Great Plains, and the West, the program combines the candor of face-to-face conversations with the findings of an extensive Pew Research Center survey conducted among Generation Nexters. • Age: SYA • 58 minutes

Generation Next 2.0 (DV537)
This video can be used as a follow-up to "Generation Next: Speak Up Be Heard" (DV536), a documentary on the challenges facing Americans 16-to-25 years old. Reporter Judy Woodruff and the team have put together another hour of reporting, profiling seven young people who share their views on society and outlook for the future. • Age: SYA • 58 minutes

Everything is Spiritual (DV538)
In the Hebrew Scriptures there is no work for "spiritual". And Jesus never used the phrase "spiritual life". Because for Jesus and His tradition, all of life is spiritual. So what does that mean? Taken from Rob Bell's 2006 national tour, this DVD was filmed at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. • Age: SYA • 78 minutes

Sex. Dating. (DV539)
The Bible doesn’t tell us how to ask someone out and Scripture doesn’t say what the perfect date would look like. But God gives clear guidance on how we should treat our bodies and how we should treat others … including the opposite sex. In these four sessions, teens are given practical and biblical guidelines to help them figure out how to build healthy relationships with the opposity sex. Topics include: Boundaries; The Role of Dating; Issues for Guys; Issues for Girls. This DVD-based study features Michael and Hayley DiMarco. Includes 2 DVDs and a 60-page leader's guide. Printable handouts for the group are included on the DVD. This DVD is part of the 2008 Youth Ministry Kit. Please see that resource (DV546=) for additional information. • Age: JS

Eclipsing Empire: Paul, Rome, and the Kingdom of God (DV540)
Join preeminent New Testament scholars Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan on location in Turkey as they trace the Apostle Paul’s footsteps throughout the Roman Empire. This 12-session DVD and web-based study explores fresh insights into Paul’s message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology, and the apostle’s radical relevance for today. Eclipsing Empire includes printable leader and participant guides with weekly readings and discussion questions. Each session may be conducted in one hour or expanded to include a meal and personal sharing. Each 20-minute video segment features a brief travelogue on a location significant for the study of Paul. • Age: YA • 240 minutes

Veracity Video Vignettes Volume 1 (DV545)
Five short films to engage the youth to look deeper into the scripture to find truth. These video discussion starters reflect five theme words. The video vignettes may be used in youth groups to get students to discuss the topics and as well as video sermon illustrations in worship. A brief study guide for each video is included. Veracity Videos can be used alone, and they are occasionally part of the Claim the Life and Bible Lessons for Youth curriculum (Abingdon Press). Themes for Volume One: Journey Worship Temple Endurance Courage  1. The Walk (4:06) This "walk" provides an unforgetable glimpse into the Christian journey. Use this vignette for discussion and for worship.  2. 24/7 (3:35; music by Elias Dummer) Are you going to worship? Are you going to worship? Are you going to worship? When? Explore the idea of worshipping 24/7.  3. Naos (3:33) Scripture says that the body is the temple, the dwelling place of God. We may have some housecleaning to do.  4. Jesus Pulled Me Out (5:44) Christians aren't spared suffering, but we do have help to endure it. Find out what other people have to say.  5. Spiders and Snakes (3:11) Some fears are squashable; others are not. We need courage--and faith. • Age: JS • 18 minutes

Veracity Video Vignettes Volume 2 (DV542)
Five short films to engage the youth to look deeper into the scripture to find truth. These video discussion starters reflect five theme words. The video vignettes may be used in youth groups to get students to discuss the topics and as well as video sermon illustrations in worship. A brief study guide for each video is included. Veracity Videos can be used alone, and they are occasionally part of the Claim the Life and Bible Lessons for Youth curriculua (Abingdon Press). Themes for Volume Two: Belonging New Creation Vows Test Dance  1. Outsider (4:32; music by Barlow Girl) - Who am I? Where do I belong? Who loves me? With such big questions, which direction will you go? Where will you turn for answers?  2. Life Song (3:27; music by Casting Crowns) - Are you just "going through the motions" of life? Of faith? Or are you a new creation in Christ? Does your life song light the way for others?  3. Tell 'Em I'm Busy (3:28; music by Carl Cartee, Adara Arnold) - Sliding by? Or following through on a vow? The way of discipleship is demanding and difficult. Who will walk with you?  4. Solo Gain (3:12; music by Jordan Stonehouse) - Do what you want; no one cares. Test everything. Why should you be different? The Christian faith asks, Why should you be be different?  5. Before the Lord (3:15) - Is "dancing before the Lord" optional? What holds you back? • Age: JS • 20 minutes

Veracity Video Vignettes Volume 3 (DV543)
Five short films to engage the youth to look deeper into the scripture to find truth. These video discussion starters reflect five theme words. The video vignettes may be used in youth groups to get students to discuss the topics and as well as video sermon illustrations in worship. A brief study guide for each video is included. Veracity Videos can be used alone, and they are occasionally part of the Claim the Life and Bible Lessons for Youth curriculua (Abingdon Press). Themes for Volume Three: 1. All Nations Will Come (3:36; music by Newsboys) - What does it mean to glorify God's name? How do we give God the glory? How is God glorified around the world?  2. So Cool? (4:35; music by Jordan Stonehouse) - How would you define cool? Although it sometimes means going against the crowd, living a life that is true to your faith is always cool.  3. SWAT (4:56; music by Jordan Stonehouse) - Are you in or out? God calls us to break down the barriers and welcome others into community.  4. Who Answered the Call? (4:36; music by Jordan Stonehouse) - When people are in need, will you answer the call?  5. Altar Ego (4:49; music by Jordan Stonehouse) - In a me-first society, Christians are called to live differently. • Age: JS • 23 minutes

Veracity Video Vignettes Volume 4 (DV544)
Five short films to engage the youth to look deeper into the scripture to find truth. These video discussion starters reflect five theme words. The video vignettes may be used in youth groups to get students to discuss the topics and as well as video sermon illustrations in worship. A brief study guide for each video is included. Veracity Videos can be used alone, and they are occasionally part of the Claim the Life and Bible Lessons for Youth curriculua (Abingdon Press). Themes for Volume Four: 1. Erik (3:54; music by Jordan Stonehouse) - Is your glass half empty or half full? When life's circumstances don't turn out like you think they should, how do they respond?  2. Scarcity (2:35; music by Third Day) - Society tells us that the good life comes from having and doing more, but Christians know the true source of abundant life.  3. Dear God (3:44; music by Rick Cua) - When times are tough, where do you turn? How can you place your hope in God in the midst of hard times?  4. Unbreakable Joy (5:10; music by Charity Von) - In the midst of painful circumstances, the Christian faith holds the key to a joy that cannot be taken away.  5. If we are the body (3:43; music by Casting Crowns) - How does the call to be the body of Christ affect how we live in the world? • Age: JS • 19 minutes

I Am: Getting to Know God (DV546)
If you could ask God one question, what would it be? How can God love me when I’ve done so much wrong? How do I know God is speaking to me? How can God be real and ignore all the bad things that happen? Teens are struggling with very difficult questions and doubts. These sessions feature real-life interviews with teens from across the county, as well as interview and insight from Chris Tomlin and David Crowder about their personal faith. Topics include: Looking for God; When Bad Things Happen; Identity; Question of Faith This DVD-based study features David Nasser. Includes 2 DVDs, a 60-page leader's guide, and printable handouts for the group. This DVD is part of the 2008 Youth Ministry Kit. Please see that resource (DV546=) for additional information. • Age: JS

Teens vs. Parents (DV547)
The myth of a perfect family can lead to disappointment, frustration and anger. There is no perfect family. But many teenagers struggle with expectations and authority from their parents. In these sessions, teens learn to repair and build healthy relationships with their parents. They feature real-life interviews with teenagers from across the country. Topics include: The Myth of a Perfect Family; Living Up to Expectations; Authority and Rebellion; Friend or Foe? This DVD-based study features Mark Matlock. Includes 2 DVDs, a 60-page leader's guide, and printable handouts for the group. This DVD is part of the 2008 Youth Ministry Kit. Please see that resource (DV546=) for additional information. • Age: JS

Church Celebrates, The: Lent and Easter (DV548)
This program provides an overview of this pivotal season in our Church's liturgical year. Three segments make up this study: "Story Segment" - Meet a man whose personal story of spiritual death and rebirth illustrates the dying to self we all must undertake as true followers of Christ. (8 mins.) "Witness Segment" - Catholics share their personal reflections about the meaning of Lent and Eater in their own lives. (3 mins.) "Teaching Segment" - Franciscan Father Tom Richstatter presents an overview of the Easter Season - from Lent to Pentecost. He emphasizes how Baptism is central to Christian identity in the lives of all believers. (8 mins. ) "Music Video Reflection" - Invites us to allow God to take our brokenness and to renew us in the spirit of the Lent and Easter celebrations. (3 mins.) • Age: SYA • 22 minutes

Fun is Good (DV549)
Fun is Good (Extended Version) (DV550)
A costumed pig, a nun who gives massages,and sumo base cleaners at work? Well, if you work for the Saint Paul Saints, that is something you might experience regularly! Fun Is Good is an inspirational training program that features the Saint Paul Saints, an exceptionally unique and successful minor league baseball team. Yet this short video is about much more than baseball--it's about understanding how having a positive attitude and finding passion can help us overcome challenges and make our work (and ministry) environments more productive, more fulfilling, and more fun. The key concepts the DVD explores are: - It starts with passion and attitude - Laughter is serious business - Show people you care. The video is designed for leadership training sessions in a corporate setting but can be easily adapted to a ministry setting. It can be used for sessions from about 1 hour up to a half-day workshop. The extended version is essentially identical to the regular one, but the key points are phrased a bit differently: - Discover your passion - Bring a positive attitude - Show people you care. • Age: SYA • 14 minutes

Moo Fun Videos (DV551)
This set of 6 humorous video clips is part of the 2008 Youth Ministry Kit from Bluefish TV. Each very short clip is designed to capture the attention of youth, and they work best as part of a larger topical discussion. The six clips are: Pew (00:42) A parody of a trendy cologne makes a distinct impression on everyone in church. Prayer - Live Richly (Lesson Available) (00:58) This off-the-wall parody of a popular bank commercial makes a great sermon illustration. Frustrations with recorded phone operators lead to massive confusion but shows us how wonderful prayer is - a direct line to God. The Oval (01:07) Bluefish TV's addition to the recent flood of horror movies is this funny video illustration parody of "The Ring" … Fear the flush. Truth vs. Deception (00:55) This humorous video illustration spoof shows Deception lying in an attempt to trick Truth into believing what he believes is true…or is it the other way around? Watch and see. Witnessola (01:07) It is possible, because of technology that now exists, to witness without actually knowing the Gospel…but maybe it's better if we learn it ourselves. • Age: JS • 6 minutes

Surviving School (DV552)
This set of 4 video clips is part of the 2008 Youth Ministry Kit from Bluefish TV. Each very short clip is designed to capture the attention of youth, and they work best as part of a larger topical discussion related to the issues youth face in the hallways of their school. The four clips are: Not Alone (02:19) School is a tough environment. Teens often fell invisible and alone, but God was with us long before the first day of school, and God will be with us long after we're out. This dramatic video illustration reminds us that God is with us in every trial, even high school. The Test (1:50) A teacher suspects two kids of cheating. How will they react? Many conversation-sparking questions are raised in this simple scenario. Don't be a Statistic (1:06) One in four teens are sexually active. One in ten will drop out of school. The odds don't look good, but the first step on the path to success is realizing that the decisions we make today will affect the rest of our lives. Gossip (01:08) Gossip: idle talk or rumors, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. In this dramatic video illustration, gossip's venomous sting shows it's ugly head as teenagers at a high school make harsh comments about a fellow classmate. • Age: JS • 6 minutes

Identity (DV553)
This set of 4 video clips is part of the 2008 Youth Ministry Kit from Bluefish TV. Each very short clip is designed to capture the attention of youth, and they work best as part of a larger topical discussion related to the search for self and our identity in Christ. The four clips are: Never Too Early (01:50) Joseph … Daniel … Timothy. The Bible is full of individuals who proved that it’s never too early to follow God’s call. This inspiring video illustration shows how young people can be used by God, no matter their circumstance. Who Are You? (00:53) The internet is a place where teens can anonymously search for identity and acceptance. This video illustration is a light-hearted reminder not to trust everyone you meet online. I Am (01:30) An identity crisis not only impacts how teens dress and who they hang out with but also, it takes their focus off of Christ and puts it solely on them. In this dramatic video illustration, a young teenager struggles with her identity and poses a question that every teen asks. TMI (Too Much Information) (01:25) Would you give your personal information to a total stranger? Many unwitting teens are doing just that on the internet. This clever video illustration makes you think twice before you share your personal information. • Age: JS • 6

Outflow: Everyday Outreach (DV554=)
Outflow: Everyday Outrach for Everyday People (DV554)
Outflow: Everyday Outreach for Everyday Youth (DV555)
This comprehensive series helps individuals discover how to share Jesus--naturally. With Outflow there are no formulas to memorize, no sales techniques to master. Instead, your church members will simply experience the joy of God's presence and then share God's love with others. It's not just outreach--it's outflow. The series has modules for various ages or uses: children's ministry, youth ministry, adult small groups, and a planning kit for pastors. (Currently, IRMS has the youth and adult modules.) The entire resource is designed to be used a congregational 5-week program, but the resource will also work very effectively when used in just one age group. Each module has slightly different resources included with it, but most are DVD-based. • Age: JSYA

eMerge 1.0 (DV556)
eMerge is a youth group program developed by Matt Milthaler of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, OH and currently in use at Ginghamsburg. The eMerge youth program comes in three 13-program volumes. Each volume contains a director's book, an interactive DVD, and two small group leader's guides—one for leaders working with younger youth and one for leaders working with older youth. Both small group leader's guides come with an interactive CD. Sessions are designed for roughly 60-minute sessions. The 13 sessions in volume 1.0 are grouped into three units. "Spiritual Disciplines," the first unit, helps students develop habits of prayer, Scripture reading, and simple living. "Room Raiders," the second unit, looks at relationships and personal choices using the metaphor of a house. (The "Family Room" session deals with familial relationships, the "Rec Room" session with entertainment choices, and so on). Call: Examines what God is calling youth to do now and in the future. • Age: JS • 41 minutes

Wesley on Giving (DVD) (DV557)
This video was developed as a resource for clergy study groups. Its purposes are: to remind clergy of the Wesleyan message related to Christian giving; to engage clergy in discussion of what this message means for personal life; and to discover how this message might be shared with congregations across United Methodism. When this resource is used with other audiences, the leader may want to first set the historical context for Wesley's ministry. Sometimes the basic Wesleyan principles are missed when persons are not reminded of the social and economic issues Wesley faced. Also available in VHS format (VT4044). A study guide is included. • Age: SYA • 24

Genesis: a Living Conversation (DVD) (DV558=)
Genesis: a Living Conversation: In God's Image / Temptation (DV558)
Genesis: a Living Conversation: First Murder / Apocalypse (DV559)
Genesis: a Living Conversation: Call and Promise / A Family Affair (DV560)
Genesis: a Living Conversation: The Test / Blessed Deception (DV561)
Genesis: a Living Conversation: God Wrestling / Exile (DV562)
From the creation of the world to its destruction by flood, from the first man and woman made in God's image to the intrigues of the patriarchs and matriarchs, from fratricide to reconciliation, from being called by God to calling on God -- for more than two thousand years Jews, Christians and Muslims have plumbed the stories from Genesis for their religious, moral and ethical meanings. In this study, Bill Moyers gathers thoughtful and engaging individuals -- Biblical scholars, writers, artists, psychotherapists, teachers, scientists, composers, lawyers, college presidents, journalists, members of the clergy, and translators -- to discover what the Genesis stories say to us today. • Age: SYA • 600 minutes

Nooma: Open (DV579)
Many of us have experienced situations where we've prayed and it felt like God wasn't listening. And yet other times we've prayed or known someone that prayed and the situation changed. Does God answer prayer? Sometimes, but not all the time? Or does God always answer prayer and it's just that sometimes God says no? Some of us are angry with God for not answering the prayers we've prayed for years. Why did he answer their prayer but not ours? What if there's more to prayer than just God listening and answering? Maybe if we understood how Jesus prayed, our concepts and expectations of prayer would change. • Age: JSYA • 12 minutes

Morning Coffee: Justice (DV580)
A small group and class resource presented by United Methodist pastor Mark Flynn. This is the third episode in a series that will spark discussion in your group about the basics of the Christian faith. The disc is divided into three episodes (5 to 9 minutes in length) and includes a discussion guide offering questions as well references to specific Bible passages. You'll be amazed at how easy conversations begin as you ponder: 1. Justice: It's better than revenge, deeper than restitution 2. Humility: You don't have to put yourself down. 3. Healing: Why are some people healed and others not? • Age: SYA • 23 minutes

Renewal or Ruin? (DV581)
Since its beginning in 1982, the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) has continuously undermined The United Methodist Church and other mainline-Protestant denominations by attacking the character of church leaders. This organization, funded by some of the world's most powerful foundations, undermines the witness of the church by fueling controversy to its own benefit. Renewal or Ruin? looks into the IRD's claim that it exists to renew the spiritual life of the church. Researchers, church leaders and others talk about their findings and experiences with this Washington, DC organization that foments dissension in the body of Christ. Viewers may go to www.ird-info.com to download a discussion guide. • Age: YA • 24 minutes

Tex Mix: Stories of Earthy Mysticism with Tex Sample on DVD (DV582)
You've heard of tall tales - Tex definitely has a few of those. But these tales are more on the order of deep and wide. This disc includes 20 tales tailored for your teaching, preaching, and devotional use with Tex Sample - the consummate storyteller (including ten stories from LtQ2). The DVD also includes Tex's introduction to storytelling and a downloadable guide (from www.livingthequestions.com) with points to ponder, related Scripture texts and discussion questions. A bonus DVD data disc includes images (in mpeg format) of Tex's stories licensed for use in PowerPoint or Keynote slideshows to enhance worship and sermons. • Age: SYA • 140 minutes

Asphalt Gospel, The (DV583)
On Easter Sunday, 2006, six ordinary people left their homes, jobs and families for a journey on foot into the heart of America. As part of the Christian organization CrossWalk America, and against the background of increasing intolerance from the Christian Right, they walked to promote a message of inclusion, compassion and love. This documentary tells the story of why they walked, who they met and how it all turned out. Join them as they walk to Washington, D.C. and share their surprising and moving story of hope. • Age: SYA • 90 minutes

Seeds Dirt Fruit (DV584)
Jesus told simple stories so everyone who heard them would understand the message. Host Jim Bergwall takes the seeds of these stories, digs into them and illustrates with hands-on teaching how "good fruit doesn't just happen." Containing 3 segments, approximately 28 minutes in length, this resource is a useful tool for family devotions, Sunday school, children's church, VBS, or for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of what it really means to Abide in the True Vine. In "Seeds," Jim explains that a seed can be dormant for days, weeks, even years before the conditions are right for it to sprout. Then it becomes the plant it was designed to be. In this episode, Jim conveys that, whether it is literal seeds or the Word of God, seeds contain life. As he digs further in "Dirt," Jim examines the various kinds of soil, bringing to life Jesus' Parable of the Sower. He visits a scientist, who reveals the ingredients necessary to produce good soil, which will nurture the seeds into healthy, life-giving plants. What does it really mean to "bear fruit?" Bergwall explains this Biblical principle using the fruit we eat as an example. He visits an orchard and shows how good fruit appeals to all five senses, and it is nourishing and carries life. Using Scripture and hands-on teaching from a fruit-grower, Jim shows how good fruit is carefully tended, needs light and water and is pruned to make better fruit. In English and Spanish (dubbed). • Age: eE • 84 minutes

Kilowatt Ours: A Plan to Re-Energize America (2007 National Edition) (DV586)
"Kilowatt Ours is an inspirational and enlivening film that demonstrates how easy it is to conserve energy that is produced from traditional sources as well as the many ways the average consumer can easily become part of the renewable energy revolution. The film reveals the connection between personal choices and energy use and introduces us to individuals, businesses, schools and universities who have cut their energy use in half by taking simple steps that benefit the consumer, the environment and the economy. We are given tours of super-efficient homes, office buildings and entire schools that have changed the future of America by employing the concepts of day-lighting, geothermal heating and cooling, solar and wind power, and the purchase of blocks of green energy from local utilities. • Age:  JYA minutes

Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith (DV587)
This DVD-based study is built on Richard Foster’s acclaimed book of the same title. It is designed to help Christians accept the invitation to live a balanced and well-rounded apprenticeship with Jesus. Group members develop a deeper appreciation for Jesus as the source of each of the great traditions of Christian spirituality: Contemplative--prayer-filled life Holiness--virtuous life Charismatic--spirit-empowered life Social Justice--the compassionate life Evangelical--word-centered life Incarnational--sacramental life Study contains thirteen presentations on two discs that include an introduction and an overview of each of the six great traditions, candid conversations between Richard foster and a representative of each of the six traditions, practical steps for practice, audience questions and answers, and more. • Age: YA • 300 minutes

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KITS

Rose Book of Bible and Christian History Time Lines (KT210)
Here are 6000 years and 20 feet of time lines in one beautiful hardbound cover book with colorful photos and illustrations. From Adam to modern times, this large print, easy-to-understand Bible study tool will help you compare Bible and world history. Read it like a book, or pull out the 20-foot time line and post it on the wall. The first 10 feet show a Bible Time Line that compares Scriptural events with world history and Middle East history, with hundreds of facts and the dates of kings, prophets, battles, and key events. The next 10 feet show a time line of Church History that begins with the life of Jesus and continues to the present day. It includes brief explanations of more than 300 key people and events that all Christians should know, emphasizing world missions, the expansion of Christianity, and Bible translation in other languages. Kit also includes two 8.5" x 5.5" pamphlets – one in English and one in Spanish – each containing a 33-inch timeline . • Age: EJSYA

Parenting the Early Years: 10 Biblical Traits Your Kids Will Remember You For (KT212)
This video series features Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, best-selling authors, who have been featured on Christianity Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, Focus on the Family, The New York Times, and Oprah. Many parents wonder if they have what it takes to be a good parent, and they want help but don't know where to find it. This series takes a Biblical approach into the traits parents want their children to have and what traits they want their children to see modeled in them. The character traits explored include Affirmation, Authenticity, Patience, Connection, Celebration, Attentiveness, Vision, Comfort, Prayerfulness, and Insightfulness. On this six DVD series, the video team took their cameras into the homes of 20 families and captured real-life parenting moments. Some of these are funny moments and some are just completely honest moments that every parent can relate to. The study looks at what it’s like for married, single and blended families. It would work well in a Sunday morning class or small group study, a parenting seminar or even to send home with expecting parents or even grandparents who are finding themselves raising their grandkids. • Age: YA • 198 minutes

Choices: Stewardship Youth Education Packet - Living and Learning in God's World (KT213)
This curriculum resource for younger and older youth is built around eight themes that explore the full meaning of stewardship as a life of discipleship. The packet includes eight different-colored folders with lesson plans, ideas, and activities; a game box containing questions for discussion; a calendar and daily journal; poster; and leader's guide.
 • Age: JSYA • 0

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