A Traveling Trunk of 40 books, videos and games is available to congregations more than 60 miles from the Congregational Resource Center. These resources, which are kept in the congregation for two months, include a variety of helps for those involved in ministry with children, youth, adults, and intergenerations. Call the Congregational Resources to schedule the Traveling Trunk for your congregation.
Books:
Banners for Worship, Carol Jean Harms, Concordia Publishing, 1988. Both the novice and experienced banner maker will benefit from the ideas and techniques presented in this book.
Blended Worship: Achieving Substance and Relevance in Worship, by Robert E. Webber, Hendrickson Publishers, 1996. Blending worship styles can achieve meaning and renewal; examines six areas of convergence.
But Why Don't We Go to War, Susan Mark Landis, Herald Press, 1993. Being a peacemaker is much more than saying "no" to war. It is saying "yes" to life in Jesus. A six-session intergenerational curriculum designed to help understand Jesus' path to peace.
Children's Workers' Encyclopedia of Bible Teaching Ideas, New Testament and Old Testament (2 volumes), Group Publishing, 1997. Creative teaching ideas of stories from the New Testament and Old Testament. Includes devotions, prayers, affirmations, games, skits, crafts and more.
Christian View of Money, Celebrating God's Generosity, by Mark Vincent, Herald Press, 1997. Individuals and congregations will engage in Scripture study, reflection, and practical exercises. It is an inspiring, grace-filled approach to receiving God's generous gifts and living as faithful stewards in a complex world. Sponsored by The Giving Project.
Faith for the Journey, Youth Explore the Confession of Faith, Ann Weber Becker, Faith & Life Press, 1997. This resource is designed to help youth, pastors and other leaders explore their growing faith. Each chapter is based on one of the articles of the Confession of Faith in the Mennonite Perspective that is made more accessible to youth.
Family-Based Youth Ministry, by Mark DeVries, InterVarsity Press, 1994. This book is about adults discipling teens one-on-one and in groups. It extends family to the whole church family.
41 Ways to Build a Better Youth Group, Mike Bogard, Faith & Life Press, 1996. A beginners guide to using the youth group as an effective setting for worship, community and mission.
The Great Kid Mission, Mary Gross, editor, Gospel Light, 1996. A flexible 5- to 10-session program to get children excited about missions at home and around the world. Reproducible learning activities for grades 1-6 include Bible stories, crafts, drama, games, patterns, snacks, maps, memory verses, and more.
How to Lead Small Groups, Neal F. McBride, NavPress, 1990. Includes a step-by-step guide and practical exercises to help you grasp the critical aspects of small group leadership and dynamics.
Kids and Conflict: Resolving Problems the Jesus Way, Eleanor Snyder, Faith & Life Press, 1997. An exciting children's curriculum that uses stories from the New Testament to teach children how Jesus handled conflict. Includes materials for learning centers that offer children experience in making good choices toward conflict resolution.
Let All Within Us Praise, Patricia J. Shelly, Faith & Life Press, 1996. A unique collection of 45 Scripture-based scripts for readers theater that encourages the full range of human emotions in the worship setting.
Little Stories for Little People, Donna McKee Rhodes, Herald Press, 1995. A collection of 52 concise children's stories that uses an object lesson to teach the Scriptural concept.
Mirror of the Martyrs, John S. Oyer and Robert S. Kreider, Good Books, 1990. This story book introduces the reader in word and image to the 16th century Anabaptists who died for their faith.
More Little Stories for Little Children, Donna McKee Rhodes, Herald Press, 1997. Fifty-two Scripture-based lessons for children to be used in homes, camp settings, worship services or other settings. Continues to meet the need of including children in the worship service by using easy-to-find objects to hold the attention and teach a Scriptural concept.
Peace, Just Live It, Christine Neufeld, Faith & Life Press, 1995. Ten sessions for youth that connect Biblical peace teachings with current issues of violence and peace, while helping to develop skills to live as God's peacemakers.
Praying with the Anabaptists: The Secret of Bearing Fruit, Marlene Kropf & Eddy Hall, Faith and Life Press, 1994. Fifteen thoughtful meditations and guided prayer exercises for deepening a life of prayer for individuals or small groups. Cassette of Hymns for Meditation and Prayer also included.
Teaching a Christian View of Money, Celebrating God's Generosity, by Mark Vincent, Herald Press, 1997. Churches that wish to embed Christian beliefs about money in their congregational life will follow these step-by-step ideas. Subjects are: "Resources for Pastors," "Dedicating Offerings," "Strengthening a Ministry of Mercy," "Strengthening Relationships Between Gift-Giver and Gift-Receiver," "Offering a Firstfruits Response," "Transfer of Leadership," "Congregational Financial Management."
Through Fire and Water, Harry Loewen and Steven Nolt, with Carol Duerksen and Elwood Yoder, Herald Press, 1996. An overview of Mennonite history. Written in easy narrative style, this book takes an accurate look at Mennonites from 1500's to today. Includes stories, photos, maps and cartoons.
What Church Members Wish Ministers Knew, by Linn Jan, Chalice Press, 1995. A light-hearted look at pastoral ministry.
What Ministers Wish Church Members Knew, by Linn Jan, Chalice Press, 1993. A light-hearted look at pastoral ministry.
Words for Worship, Arlene M. Mark, Herald Press, 1996. Includes prayers, call to worship and responsive readings, many on the believers church themes of community, peace and justice, reconciliation, service and obedience.
You Can Lead a Bible Discussion Group, Dr. Terry Powell, Multnomah Books, 1996. A handbook that is full of illustrations, teaching principles, discussion-leading strategies and sample discussion questions.
Youth Worker's Encyclopedia of Bible Teaching Ideas, Old Testament and New Testament (2 volumes), Group Publishing, 1994. Devotions, prayers, affirmations, games, and skits to use as aids in teaching the Old Testament and New Testament.
Games:
Bible Blurt!, The Bible Game of Word Racing, Keys Publishing, 1997. A game for ages 8 to adult that will help players learn more about God's Word and the life and ministry of Jesus.
Kid's Choice, Applying Biblical Principles to Everyday Situations, Rainfall, 1996. A game for ages 6 to 12 that helps players come face to face with some of life's toughest decisions while learning Biblical principles.
Life Stories, FNDI Limited Partnership, 1992. An intergenerational game of storytelling for ages 6-106. You will have a great time talking about people, events, thoughts, hopes and dreams.
Videos:
Amazing Book, Amazing Miracles, and Amazing Children, Anthony Paul, Inc., 1989. A series of three videos that introduce children to the Bible.
Beyond the News: Homelessness, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1994. This look at contemporary homelessness helps us realize that it can happen to anybody. Encounter mothers, children, educated persons--who are homeless.
Beyond the News: Money, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1997. A 55-minute video divided into ten segments with a study guide. It will help persons talk about money, consumerism, wealth, and stewardship.
Beyond the News: Parenting Adolescents, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1997. A video on parenting for anyone who works or lives with adolescents. Looks at the culture influencing adolescents today, adolescent development, parenting issues, community and church involvement, and what it takes for adolescents to experience this stage of life as a positive time of growth.
Beyond the News: Racism, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1993. This compelling video is for people who think they don't need a video about racism. Tackles how prejudice and privilege still affect jobs, education, the judicial system, and the church.
Beyond the News: Sexual Abuse, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1993. Sexual abuse is in our churches, homes, and institutions. This award-winning video features psychotherapist and author Carolyn Holderread Heggen, along with disturbing but true stories of sexual abuse told by actors.
Beyond the News: TV Violence & You, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media, 1995. Explains how and by whom our attitudes on race, sex, roles, politics, and current events are being shaped through the media.
Beyond the News: TV Violence & Your Child, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1995. How should we respond to the violence our children see in the media?
Family Fears, Overcoming the Worries that Threaten Our Families, by Jack & Jerry Schreur, Gospel Films, 1994. Five-session study guide with 20-minute video each session is designed to help parents and children deal with the things which keep them from having healthy, loving relationships.
Fish Eyes, with Ted & Lee, Fish-eye Productions, Gospel Films, Inc., 1995. Fish Eyes tells the Gospel story. Using humor and the humanity of Brothers Peter and Andrew, these stories you thought you knew take on a whole new perspective. Fourteen 15-minute episodes take you from Peter and Andrew's call to be "fishers of men" to the Resurrection and beyond. (7 tapes of 14 episodes, approx. 15 minutes each)
The Radicals, The unbelievable story of the beginnings of the Anabaptists, Sisters and Brothers, 1989, distributed by Gateway Films. Based on Myron Augsburger's acclaimed book, here is the story of Michael and Margaretha Sattler and the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement in 16th-century Europe. Neither Catholic nor Protestant, these radical reformers sought to go back to the Bible.
Rhythms of Peace, with Mr. Fredd, Mennonite Media Productions, 1996. Peacemaking and conflict solving ideas for children in story and song.
Turning Towards Jesus, Jerry L. Holsopple, Mennonite Media Productions, 1995. A complete video curriculum for new and growing believers, which explores the identity of Jesus, the development of the spiritual life and the role of the church. Includes personal testimonies and insightful teachings from pastors and lay persons alike. Leaders guide and reproducible student sheets included.