AN EXTENSION OF YOUR LIBRARY
Housed in the Presbytery office in Elizabethtown is an extensive Resource Center with resources including books, games, music, videos, curricula, periodicals, catalogues and equipment. Visitors are always welcome. Resources can be mailed! Please email or call Kaye Bledsoe at (910) 862-8300 or (800) 277-7479 - ext 209.
1. Reframing Hope: Vital Ministry in a New Generation by Carol Howard Merritt.
Merritt’s book shares a discovery of what ministry in, with, and by a new generation might look like and speaks about the blessings of keeping the treasures of inherited Church even as we move in our times toward new ways of being Church. It is a clarion call to revitalized practice within the established traditions of Western Christianity.
2. Matthew: One King to Rule Them All by Marilyn McGinnis. Book.
This is a survey study for adults covering the entire book of Matthew in eight sessions. Each session is divided into Episode sections. What was the life of Jesus about? Who was he? Where did he come from? What were his message and purpose for the Jews? For everyone else?
3. The Gospel of Matthew –
This is a 16-session DVD study of Matthew presented by Dr. James M. Efird. Includes a facilitator’s guide and participants’ workbook.
4. Faith Formation 2020 by John Roberto. Book.
This book is a short course for envisioning the future of Faith formation in congregations. If offers a concise summary of the best of the organizational literature on scenario thinking and its application to imagining new futures in faith formation. Includes pragmatic tools and workbook options for engaging church leaders in the designing and development of learning communities.
5. Fun for the Whole Family – Group Publishing.
A one-hour adventure for the whole family. The event requires each family group to have an “expedition pack” to accompany them on their voyage to discover the power of God’s love. Everyone will watch clips from the Narnia adventure “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” and talk, laugh and have fun together. The kit contains: leader’s guide, DVD and CD set, Publicity poster & one family expedition pack.
6. Seeking Social Justice by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. This 6-session study is part of the BeingReformed: Faith Seeking Understanding series produced by the PCUSA. The focus is to help Presbyterians see the ongoing importance of the prophetic tradition in the Scriptures calling God’s people to active obedience in furthering God’s justice and peace.
7. Almost Christian: What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the American Church by Kenda Creasy Dean –
This book hangs an illuminating theological magnifying glass over the startling conclusions of the National Study of Youth and Religion. Peppered with compelling, sometimes unsettling dialogue from NSYR interviews, the book pulls on punches but at the same time, inspires hope that the American church can move beyond the flimsy, vague, self-absorbed spirituality into the faith fabric of postmodern American Christianity.
8. OMG: A Youth Ministry Handbook by Kenda Creasy Dean. Book. This book was written in response to a request for a handbook for people in ministry with youth. It is offered as text that wrestles with questions surrounding the spiritual formation of adolescents. It approaches youth ministry through six facets: 1) Haunting questions 2) Daunting challenges 3) Enduring themes 4) Promising Possibilities 5) Emerging competencies 6) A Maturing discipline
9. Home Grown by Karen DeBoer.
This is a seven-session Parenting study based on the supposition that parents are the biggest influence on their kid’s faith and is focused on helping parents discover how to create a Christ-centered home where children and parents grow in faith together. The study has a DVD with introductory interviews of parents answering the focus question of each study session and a companion book with 111 Real-Life Questions and Answers.
10. What Do I Do With My Life? By Kenneth A. Baker. Book.
This study is part of “In the Works”, a faith formation program for adults. This 5-week study leads participants to find out how God is calling them to serve him and their coworkers, customers, and employers at their workplace. Daily readings, discussion guides and follow-up action options
11. The Teachings of the Twelve by Tony Jones.
In this book, Tony Jones unpacks the ancient Didache (early handbook of an anonymous Christian community) with insight and perspective, and traces the life of a small house church in Missouri that is trying to live according to its precepts. The book includes a new, contemporary English translation of the complete text of the Didache.
