Walk Where Jesus Walked with Ray Vander Laan (2 hrs) The format is like being in a history class but you are on location in the country now known as Turkey. This can be used for your personal edification of course, doesn't necessarily  need to be used in a group study. It's broken down into 5 segments and comes w/a guide.The 2 hrs will fly by!  Ask for DVBB4005.

Exploring Religious Art - DVD  Designed to show great masterworks of art and explain how they came to be created. The viewing segments are divided into two 3 minute vignettes. The introduction presents an historical context while segments one through ten focus on specific works of art. In addition, the discussion questions and hands-on activities provided in the accompanying guide will not only help students master basic information, but also encourage them to enjoy and apply what they learn. Some of the art segments are: “St.Michael the Archangel Overcoming Satan,” “The Flight into Egypt,” and “The Ascension.”

Rediscovering the Labyrinth – A Walking Meditation  DVD
(29 mins) hosted by Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. This is a story of transformation, and an invitation for you to begin the journey. It’s a moving documentary of real people whose lives have changed by walking a labyrinth. Ask for: DVGH2007

Renovation of the Heart (kit) a video-based curriculum by Dallas Willard. It is designed to help Christians develop inward Christlikeness. Thirteen presentations by  Willard plus an unscripted conversation among Dallas, Larry Crabb, and John Ortberg on authentic transformation. Includes 2 dramatizations by Curt Cloninger. Also: one CD containing the script of conversation among  Willard, Larry Crabb, and John Ortberg, and other resources designed to enhance your presentation, and 2 participant’s guides with exercises, discussion questions, and Bible Studies.

Making Love Last a Lifetime-Biblical Perspectives on Love, Marriage, Sex by Adam Hamilton (a United Methodist pastor). This kit contains both a video tape and a DVD, plus a leader's guide, pastor's guide with CD-ROM, and participant's guide. It's divided into eight 15-minute presentations and meant to be a small group study. It's billed as being interesting for both singles and married couples.

Victory at Jerusalem (70 mins). Filmed on location with Pastor Ronald Kelly. It tells the story of the most important event in all of human history- the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Ron retraces the sites and events of Christ's last days. A timely resource for Easter!

Crossing Rome; this dvd (26 mins) is the compelling journey showing how the cross went from a despised symbol of shame  to a revered sign of triumph. We have lots of other Easter resources too. Do a web search on the Center's home page and type in the keyword: "Easter."

Christianity and Islam by Dr. Timothy George is a four-part series comparing and contrasting the two religions. Each section is 25 min. Includes: The Tenets of Islam, The Trinity, The Bible and the Incarnation, and The Cross and Salvation. DVD plus 32 page guide. Ask for KTPG1007.

Reflections on Psalm 23 for people with cancer. (Thirteen 8-minute segments) Ken Curtis, founder of Vision Video, was diagnosed with advanced cancer and then decided to journey to Israel and seek out King David’s home. Psalm 23 was a vital part of his spiritual healing. The resulting meditations provide a combination of candid personal experiences and some of the spiritual resources available through this time-honored Psalm.

Confronting Death, A Christian Approach to the End of Life - Walter Wangerin, Jr.
(dvd 57 mins/5 segments) Drawing from his own recent experience with cancer, this award winning author explores the following issues: 1: Discovering serious illness  2: Grieving before death  3: Caring for the one who is not sick  4: How do we handle the pain? 5: Confronting the dying itself  “We as faithful people have the power and ability to look death straight in the eye and understand it.” (Wangerin)

The Purpose Driven Life; What on earth am I here for?  by Rick Warren  This is a 6 session dvd study for groups or individuals and includes a 77 page study guide. This study has been used by over four million people during the 40 Days of Purpose campaigns in churches all over the world. Publishers Weekly declared his book with the same name as “the bestselling nonfiction hardback in history!”  He is the pastor and founder of Saddleback Church in Orange County, CA, and will be giving the invocation at Obama’s swearing in ceremony.

Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society Today featuring Walter Brueggemann. This is a small group dvd study that can be conducted over four to five one-hour sessions. “It is a journey from slavery to covenant that we keep making over and over again… because Pharaoh has immense power always to draw us back into slavery.” Brueggemann   Filmed while he was at a lectern and is a serious study, not one for those who want something “lightweight.”  Produced by: Living The Questions

The Evidence for Heaven – A biblical and scientific examination of our final destiny (dvd 90 mins) Watch the interviews from 21 medical doctors, biblical scholars and scientists that believe immortality is a reality. Hear from those who’ve had near death experiences about their journey ‘there’ and back. A bonus feature on the dvd is a 3-part Bible study on heaven.

Youth for Human Rights dvd 30 public service announcements (90 seconds each), 1 for each of the ‘formally stated’ rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ratified by the United Nations in 1948, forms the foundation of everyone’s most basic human rights, transcending all borders. Yet, despite its timeless relevance, most citizens haven’t heard of it! Eleanor Roosevelt was the principal architect of the Declaration. Is it a pipe dream to believe that we can truly make human rights a reality? Youth are the “stars” of many of the segments.

The Prophets by the Arts & Entertainment Network (50 mins)
Links between the human and the divine, they (Elijah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Jeremiah) stand amongst the Old Testament’s most commanding and confounding figures. What was the impetus and meaning of their proclaimed divinations? On location footage and interviews w/historians and authors make this documentary unusually interesting!

Billy Graham – a personal crusade by the Arts & Entertainment Network (50 mins)
Illuminates the life of America’s most famous evangelist-a man who practices what he preaches. Covers pivotal events in his life, inc William Randolph Hearst’s decision to publicize his crusades and Graham’s close ties w/several presidents. This biography traces his development from childhood to the peak of his spiritual empire. Very well done.

The Nativity Crèche (art and spirit of it). After the cross, the Nativity scene is Christianity’s most recognized symbol. Its history, art and spirituality have been embraced by cultures around the world for nearly 2,000 years. This 30 min DVD shows collections from across the globe and reveals some interesting historical facts.

Looking to be a bit more “GREEN?”  The Media Resource Center has several videos/dvds to view on this relevant subject.

• THE GREENING OF FAITH: Program 1, THEOLOGY & SPIRITUALITY
  Summary: Why the Environment is a Christian Concern (+ leader’s guide)
  Program 2: ETHICS (+ leader’s guide)
• FAITHFUL EARTHKEEPING: THE CHURCH AS A CREATION AWARENESS CENTER - by Kaye, Lindy (1997) VTMBX006
  Designed to help congregations learn about the issues related to the care of God's creation and to suggest ways for individuals & congregations to act as earth keepers. Part 1: The Biblical Call to Earth keeping (20min.); Part II: Creation's Praise...Creation's Cry (27min.); Part III: Earth keeping: The Church Responds (32min.).-features Dr. Cal DeWitt.
• AS IF SALMON MATTER: MAKING ETHICAL CHOICES (2 hrs, 4 parts) by INTERFAITH NETWORK FOR EARTH CONCERNS ( 2004) Highlights of a seminar held at Portland State University. Ask for:VTMBX018
• THE END OF SUBURBIA- Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream
  (76 min) – hosted by Barrie Zwicker, (2004)  ask for:  DVMBX005
  An exploration of the American way of life and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply.
• KILOWATT OURS (55 mins)  by BARRIE, JEFF  ( 2007)
  What would you find if you traced the wires from your light switch to their energy source? Mr. Barrie and his wife cut their bills in half and use a portion of the savings to buy green power. In this interesting dvd, he'll help you do the same! ask for: DVMBX004
• RENEWAL - Stories from America's Religious-Environmental Movement - (2007)
  Individual stories range from 6-17 mins for a total of 90 mins.
  This documentary offers a comprehensive overview of what different religions are doing about the awesome devastation of Earth's life systems now taking place. The filmmakers' vision of the problem and understanding of viable solutions show rare depth of perception and are matched only by their sense of the urgency of action if we're to realize our hopes for the future. Close captioned also. Ask for: DVMBX003
• AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (96 mins)  by Al Gore 2006

JIM & CASPER GO TO CHURCH by  HENDERSON, JIM and CASPER, MATT
Interesting story of an atheist who sold his soul on E-Bay and the friendships that ensued. Contains frank conversation about faith, churches and well-meaning Christians. Eight clips, 2-5 mins each.
 In 2006, Jim - a veteran Christian and director of Off The Map, hired Casper, and atheist, to join him in visiting 12 of America's best and least known churches. This insightful dialogue offers Christians a new view of an environment in which we've become overly comfortable: the church. Ask for:  DVHXX001 and/or BKHXX002

Marva Dawn’s keynote address from the Leadership Fair last February is now available to hear - on cassette tape only. She’s a marvelous speaker and it’s about 30 min. long. Call 503-445-4999 or email Media Resource Center to have it sent to you.

LIVING FULLY, DYING WELL, a study for small groups by Rueben Job. Our best decisions about life's most important events are seldom made in a time of crisis. This kit is designed to assist us in making careful, wise, and prayerful preparation for meeting life's most important moments. For all ages, the material inspires us to talk openly about faith and mortality. Included are  leader's guide, participant's book and DVD for eight sessions, about 10 min. each. (From Abingdon Press) Ask for: KTAXX001

RENEWAL- DVD. This documentary offers a comprehensive overview of what different religions  (including Muslims, Native Americans, and Buddhists) are doing about the devastation of Earth's life systems now taking place. The filmmakers' vision of the problem and understanding of viable solutions show rare depth of perception and are matched only by their sense of the urgency of action needed if we're to realize our hopes for the future. Individual stories range from 6-17 mins for a total of 90 mins. Close captioned. Ask for: DVMBX003

FAITH UNDER FIRE  with Lee Strobel  (4 volumes) DVDs; all have leader’s & participant’s guides. Vol 1: Four sessions on Jesus, the resurrection, universalism and the supernatural.
Vol 2: Four sessions on the Bible, heaven, hell and science. Vol 3: Four sessions on forgiveness, pain and suffering, the Trinity, and Islam. Vol 4: Four sessions on the relevance of Christianity.
Lee Strobel was the legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and a spiritual skeptic until 1981. He was married to a Christian woman however, thus the rest of the story!

WALKING THE BIBLE – a journey by land through the five books of Moses.
2 DVDs (168 mins total) Both a heart-racing adventure and an uplifting quest, this resource features one man's (Bruce Feiler) epic journey-by foot, jeep, rowboat, and camel- through the greatest stories ever told. This was featured on Public Television in 2006.

New kit in the Resource Center on Discernment. The 12 week structure of this study is based on 2 complementary teachings of Jesus: “Come and See” (6 weeks) & “Go and Do” (6 weeks)  Author is: Sue Anne Steffey Morrow, published by Abingdon Press. Kit includes a DVD, leader’s guide and study guide. Chapters include: Discerning God’s Presence in our midst, our work, the shadows and in our habit of being. Ask for: KTGHX031

Passing on the Language of Faith  (22 minutes, video tape) A short explanation of the five generations living today and how they have passed along their faith beliefs to the next generation. Covers the "Buster" generation through the "Millennium" kids…shows some interesting vintage film footage. Also covers the Silent, Boomers and GenX groups. Produced by: Dr. Roland Martinson of the Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College.  Ask for: VTHHX005

For Youth: "GREEN" is a progressive ministry resource for youth workers. From the back cover: “Steelroots knows the influence that pro-athletes, artists and bands have on young people, so we had them speak directly to teens and address the biggest topics they're dealing with.” Each topic is 12-15 mins for both youth workers and teens. Comes w/a 40 pg leader's guide. The resource center has three DVDs in this series. Type in keyword "green" to bring up all three.
#1 is: Dealing With Temptation  #2: Power of the Tongue  #3: Consequences of Sin

Morning Coffee with Mark Flynn- a United Methodist pastor. (dvd)
Three discussion starters; short 8-10 min dialogues with questions to ask after listening. The three subjects are: revelation – more than a book in the Bible, word-it’s mightier than the sword and unity-our greatest strength, our greatest challenge.  Best for high school youth through adults. Similar in format to the Nooma dvds.  Would be excellent for small groups.

The Way of the Child – Helping Children Experience God  from Companions in Christ, a division of Upper Room Books. Created by: Wynn McGregor
Focuses on the spiritual formation of children ages 6-11. Each session is designed for a 1 to 1 1/2  hr time frame. There are eight modules and in a "formational" approach rather than an "informational" approach. This unique resource offers kids a "time apart" from the noise and bustle of life to learn and experience practices that will nurture their innate spirituality, help them develop a deeper relationship w/God, and form vital community w/others. This kit includes an introductory dvd showing how the room is set up, CD w/songs, family booklet, and leader's guide.

New resources for the vision impaired/blind:
A series of 5 cassette tapes titled: Different Members, One Body – Welcoming the Diversities of Abilities in God’s Family. These have been a donation from the Opening Doors Task Force Committee.

CHRISTIANITY'S FAMILY TREE – What Other Christians Believe and Why.  Eight 20 min presentations by Adam Hamilton, a pastor of the United Methodist Church. This kit includes a dvd, book, leader’s guide and a Pastor’s guide w/CD-ROM to expand the study into a  congregation wide event should you choose to do so. The traditions examined are: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism and Methodism.

UNDERSTANDING PENTECOST (video tape, 26 mins) Explore the history from Acts 2, traditions, and experiences through dance, scripture and personal interviews. Fifty days after the Resurrection, tongues of fire and a mighty wind surrounded Peter and the other apostles and they spoke in many languages. This is an excellent intro for youth and adults to the Pentecost presence in their lives today.

JIM AND CASPER GO TO CHURCH (both the dvd and a book)  8 clips, 2-5 mins each
This is the very interesting story of an atheist who put his soul up for sale on e-Bay and received $500 for it! The stipulation was that he had to go to several church services w/the Christian man who “purchased” it. An unlikely friendship formed with frank conversation about faith, churches and well meaning Christians.

THE ASPHALT GOSPEL (time unknown at present) A dvd about 6 ordinary people who set out on a walking journey to change the face of Christianity in America. The film is produced by Scott Griessel and published by Crosswalk America. It’s being used till the end of April. You may put a “reserve” on it by contacting the Resource Center.

NOOMA series by emerging church pastor Rob Bell. We now own all 18 of these segments. They are very popular and average about 12 minutes each. After a church checks out several they often wind up ordering the whole series for themselves! If you haven’t watched one yet, you are in for a thoughtful treat. You may check out up to 4 at a time.

The History of the Bible by James Walther, Sr.
(DVD 35 mins) from the Kerygma program. Trace the history of the Bible you own from ancient manuscripts to the many modern translations available today. An excellent resource for confirmation classes, adult Bible study groups and every church library. I watched it 2 nights in a row and really recommend it! Maureen, Director of the Media Resource Center

New items for your spiritual growth and edification: Kits usually include a DVD and sometimes a video tape, leader’s guide, participants’ guide and sometimes a book:

• JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM (Kit) with Bill Hybels. (4 sessions)
  Just Walk Across the Room ushers in the next era in personal evangelism with a natural, relational approach that follows Jesus’ own example. This transforming, four-week experience will guide your church through inspiring sermons, insight-packed small group sessions, and individual reading in the book. Discover how to follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings to “just walk across the room” - and into the lives of people living far from God. You can watch a 3 min video of this at: www.zondervanchurchsource.com
• Prayer: Six Sessions on Our Relationship with God (Kit) by: Philip Yancey. In this six-session curriculum, award-winning author Yancey probes the very heartbeat - the most fundamental, challenging, perplexing, and deeply rewarding aspect - of our relationship with God: prayer. What is prayer? How does it work? And more importantly, does it work? You can watch an informative 3 min video of at: www.zondervanchurchsource.com
• The Purpose Driven® Life Curriculum Kit
  The Purpose Driven Life Small Group Curriculum is a six-week, video-based small group study of The Purpose Driven Life® by Rick Warren - the book Publishers Weekly declared the "bestselling nonfiction hardback in history." You can watch an informative 3 min video at: www.zondervanchurchsource.com
• When God's People Pray: Six Sessions on the Transforming Power of Prayer  DVD + participant’s guide. By Jim Cymbala, bestselling author of Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire - a powerful new small group DVD that will help you and your church tap into the transforming power of prayer. Discover the power of God to restore hope, ignite faith, work miracles, and change lives - through prayer. Cymbala tells how God moves in life-changing ways when we set aside our own agendas, take him at his Word, and listen for his voice.

The Fourth Wise Man (video 72 mins) starring Martin Sheen & Alan Arkin.(based on Henry van Dyke’s classic) This magi takes w/him 3 precious gifts to present to the Messiah after seeing THE star on Christmas eve. It takes him 33 yrs to catch up to Jesus and along the way he uses his gifts to help people in dire need. An excellent family film!

Truce in the Forest, a 40 minute video based on a true story of a Christmas Eve encounter between German and American soldiers in one woman's home. Trusting in God, Greta bravely confronts this potentially explosive situation. Ask for: VTDA4016.

New Resources from Presbytery's Opening Doors Task Force on Disabilities: