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Read About This Month's Featured Resource
August 2010
 Sticky Teams by Larry Osborne is the recommended resource for August. From the back cover:
"Serving as a church leader can be a tough assignment. Whatever your role, odds are you've known your share of the frustration, conflict, and disillusionment that come with silly turf battles, conflicting vision, and marathon meetings.
With practical and accessible wisdom, Larry Osborne explains how you can get your team back on the same page again. Sticky Teams exposes the hidden roadblocks, structures, and goofy thinking that sabotage even the best-intentioned teams. Then, with proven strategies, Osborne shows what it takes to get (and keep) a board, staff, and congregation on the smae page, sticking together as a unified, healthy, and dynamic ministry team."
Discussion starters are included with each chapter. This is a practical and insightful book, useful for all church leaders. Published in March 2010 by Zondervan, it sell for $16.99, $11.55 on amazon.com ISBN #978-0310324645.
July 2010
 This month's featured resource is a blog. Beyond the Ordinary, Insights into Us. Congregational Lifehttp://presbyterian.typepad.com/beyondordinary/ is the blog of the U. S. Congregational Life Survey. The survey examines congregational vitality to help congregations renew and enrich their mission.It describes the American religious landscape in the new millennium based on input from over 500,000 worshipers in more than 3,000 congregations across the United States. The blog contains articles and insights relating to the survey. Some recent posts include: Religion by Region; Building on Strengths; Surfing for God; and the Spiritual But Not Religious Trend. It's not just statistics, it's also interesting reflections on current trends.
June 2010
 Leading Change, Church Leadership Amid Turmoil is a new training DVD from Seraphim Communications.
From the Seraphim website:
Dr. Peter Steinke applies Systems Theory to the task of leadership, especially leadership during or for change. Change is the new constant and change creates anxiety and resistance. The functioning of leaders during this time is critical to the ability of the organization to maintain its commitment to its mission. Unlike so many theories, which neglect the human emotional processes of an organization, “Leading Change” teaches leaders to expect anxiety and sabotage but to stay calm and committed to advancing the mission. Change can stall the development of an organization through fear of the unknown but courageous leaders can call people to embrace a new adventure in meeting the latest challenge. This course would be very helpful for congregational leaders who are experiencing transitions, conflict, demographic or economic challenges. The “Leading Change” course equips leaders to respond to the expected anxiety in an organization facing change.
Available from the Seraphim Communications website, it sells for $79.95.
May 2010
 This month's featured resource is a downloadable book written by Lynette Hawkins and published by Awesome Insight. Ushers: Creating an Extraordinary Welcome, A Guidebook to Usher Ministry is a great handbook for usher training. It shares practical ideas for those just starting an usher ministry as well as those wishing to provide additional support for their usher team. Reading this guidebook can help you create a plan, organize ushers, and take the necessary steps to create an extraordinary welcome from the time a visitor arrives at the church doorstep. It can be previewed and downloaded here. The download is $14.95.
April 2010
 Everyone loves a good story, and everyone loves to eat! Delicious Bible Stories combines the two Participants are invited to be a part of a popular cooking show as various guests from the Bible come to share their stories and recipes. This learning experience may be set up in a variety of ways, around tables with everyone involved in preparation, as a sampling experience, or as 5 separate sessions. Scripts are included for all the models as well as ingredient lists and preparation tips. this resource not only presents Bible time recipies, but also introduces customs and actions to make it even more participatory. Available from Abingdon Press, ISBN 978-4267-0032-3, it lists for $10.00, $8.50 0n www.amazon.com
March 2010
 This month's featured resource is a daily devotional website designed for young people www.d365.org D365 is a free online resource sponsored by the PC(USA), the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the Episcopal Church and is produced by Pathways. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, it became Journey to the Cross for the season of Lent. It features music by Ken Medema, Scripture, Devotion, Conversation with God and a Benediction. Make it part of your Lenten routine. Share it with friends, youth leaders, parents and anyone interested in some daily quiet time.
February 2010
 NuChristian: Finding Faith in a New Generation, by Russell Rathbun, is one of a number of resources that looks at Christianity's image problem among young adults. Many of today's young adults see the church as hypocritical, judgmental, sheltered, and overly political. This book invites us to be transformed from unChristian to nuChristian by taking seriously their critique. NuChristian addresses the issues with practical ideas for church leaders who seek to reach young adults with a Christian community that is transparent, holistic, loving, engaged, just and humble. Available from Judson Press, ISBN 978-0817015497, list price is $15, $11.70 on amazon.com
January 2010
 More Dumb Things Churches Do, And New Strategies for Avoiding Them by Philip Wiehe and Linda McFadden is the sequel to their earlier book 10 Dumb Things Churches Do, And How To Avoid Them. The description from the cover describes it well:
Sometimes forming committees, fixing the furnace and printing the Sunday bulletin feel like the most urgent business of the church. But these activities can be big distractions. Jesus said after all, "Feed my sheep," not "Build my sheep a barn."
Here readers will find new ideas and creative strategies for avoiding distractions and dealing with the important challenges that all churches face.
Written with humor and love this book provides insights into some of the everyday challenges congregations and their leaders face and provides a pattern for renewal and renewing. Available from Morehouse Publishing, ISBN 978-0819222589, it sells for $16, $12 on amazon.com
November 2009
 Making Crosses: A Creative Connection to God by Ellen Morris Prewitt introduces a new spiritual practice for those who want to experience God beyond day-to-day prayers. The author takes found and abandoned objects and turns them into crosses. In this step-by-step invitation to join her, she turns her words of explanation into an experience of worship. The making of crosses with discarded bits of brokenness becomes a physical way to offer our broken selves to God who loves, redeems, and repairs us. Part of the Active Prayer Series from Paraclete Press, it sells for $16.99, $11.55 on amazon.com ISBN #978-155725687.
Submitted by Kaye Bledsoe, Coastal Carolina.
October 2009
 Seeing Red Cars encourages audiences to focus on what they do want instead of focusing on what they don't want. By having a positive attitude and taking action, viewers will be motivated to move in the right direction for themselves and their organization. Hosted by Laura Goodrich, trainer and consultant, this unique program helps audiences make better decisions, combat negativity, and create a positive environment. This 10 minute DVD includes a training guide, Power Point presentation, transcript and 6 short training activity videos. Useful as an opening video for meetings, seminars and workshops, it's available from Star Thrower Productions for $595.00. Check with your local representative for available discounts.
September 2009
 $imply Enough: Straight Talk from Tony Campolo & Shane Clairborne on Simple, Just Living
In this unique video, Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne offer refreshing new insights toward responsible Christian action in the areas of lifestyle, food, celebrations, stuff, money and justice. Relevant to Christians today, this DVD is ideal for group or individual use, especially young adults. It includes six sessions 10 to 13 minutes long with a study/action guide. You can view trailers on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8QcaaVWXfI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsko4b8eKEM Published by Alternatives for Simple Living, 2007, it’s available at the Tony Campolo on-line store http://www.tonycampolo.org/store.php for $15.
August 2009
 Sustainable Youth Ministry, Why Most Youth Ministry Doesn't Last and What Your Church Can Do About It, is the featured resource for August. This new book by Mark DeVries, explores what it takes to build a youth ministry that withstands the revolving door of youth ministers. Based on his own experience as a youth minister and his work with churches in crisis, DeVries pinpoints the problems that cause division and burnout. He then provides practical tools and structures needed to lay a foundation for ministry that is not based on a person. Included in the book are: creating a realistic job description, making wise hiring decisions, building a strong volunteer team, setting and keeping boundaries and creating a road map for navigating church politics. Published by IVP Books, ISBN 978-0-8308-3361-0, it sells for $16.00, $10.88 on amazon.com
July 2009
 Featured for July is Finding Jesus on the Metro and Other Surprises, Doing Church in a New Day. This new book by Paul Nixon explores what it means for a church to be on a ministry journey in a time of unprecedented social change in America. Written from an urban perspective, Nixon has created an excellent tool for church leaders that will help them recognize: 1) that their ministry must change to be effective and 2) equips them with the tools to implement changes. The first section looks at the communities and culture influencing young adults and the second section suggests ways churches can be part of this influence. Published by Pilgrim Press, ISBN 978-0829818543, it sells for $14.00, $10.98 on amazon.com (submitted by Kaye Bledsoe)
June 2009
 Sybil MacBeth’s wonderfully creative concept, Praying in Color, is now available in a kid’s edition. Like the adult edition, this kid's edition teaches a wordless form of prayer. Drawing is half the prayer. The other half is carrying the visual images with you throughout the day. You don’t need to be an artist to use this kind of prayer. Any child with a box of crayons, a piece of paper and one or two minutes a day can have a conversation with God. Reading level is ages 4 to 8. Available from Paraclete Press, ISBN # 978-1557255952, it sells for $16.99, $11.55 on www.amazon.com
May 2009
 Featured for May is Tony Jones’ book The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier. This book is an excellent introduction to the emergent church movement. It explores being faithful followers in today’s world. The book is filled with first hand observations and addresses many of the criticisms directed at this form of church. Jones is associated with Solomon’s Porch in Minneapolis and is a speaker and consultant in the areas of emerging church, postmodernism and Christian spirituality. Published by Jossey-Bass, the hard-cover edition sells for $22.95, $15.61 on www.amazon.com ISBN #978-0-0787994716
April 2009
 April’s featured resource is the DVD kit based on Dan Kimball’s book, They like Jesus, But Not the Church. Led by author Dan Kimball, this small group study will give insights into why emerging generations are fascinated with Jesus but respond negatively to the church and Christianity. Interviews with non-Christians, followed by comments from Kimball are the basis of the six sessions. The most common objections and criticisms are addressed as well as positive ways the church can respond. The kit includes video clips, sermon outlines, leader and participant guides and a copy of Kimball’s book. Produced by Zondervan, it sells for $52.99 at www.ecufilm.org item #6399, $42.39 at www.amazon.com
March 2009
 Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Rediscovering Ministry
Featured for March, this book by Bill Easum contains many resources useful for pastors. It is a book about leadership in the church and what leadership has to do with calling and equipping. There are exercises to help discover or rediscover a sense of call and a passion for doing ministry. The main emphasis is directed toward pastors, but this would be useful for all church leaders. Read William Pinches review on amazon.com Published by Abingdon Press (July 2004) it sells for $16, ISBN 978-0687000784.
Recommended by Kaye Bledsoe, Presbytery of Costal Carolina
February 2009
 Featured for February, Signs of Lent is a DVD based adult study using the lectionary texts from RCL Cycle A (Matthew and John). Sessions are 10 to 12 minutes long and include a printable pdf leader guide file.
Each session has four parts: GATHER AND CENTER focuses on an art image selected for the week; ENTER AND ENGAGE explores the gospel passages and background information; ASK YOURSELF invites reflection and dialog; and PONDER AND PRAY puts it all together for a closing ritual.
Produced jointly by Logos Productions and Seraphim it is available on the Logos website www.logosproductions.com for $74.95.
January 2009
Advent and Christmas are past and it’s time to start thinking about Lent resources. This month’s featured resource is Chocolate for Lent by Hilary Brand. This creative approach to Lent is a great small group study book based on the award winning movie Chocolat with Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench and Johnny Depp. It includes a weekly meditation, scripture, and personal reflection questions as well as group discussion of clips from the film. There are five sessions. A complete leader’s guide is included.
Suitable for any small group Lent program, this study book along with the film Chocolat would be great additions to your Lent collection. Published by Pauline Books and Media, the book sells for $10.95 (ISBN 0-8198-1567-5). The DVD (Miramax Collector’s Series), sells for $9.99 (ISBN 0-7888-2700-6). Instructions for obtaining a license for showing the film are included in the book’s introduction.
December 2008
 The Art of Parables, Reinterpreting the Teaching Stories of Jesus in Word and Sculpture is this month’s featured resource. See and understand the parables in a whole new way with this new resource from Copper House (imprint of Wood Lake Books). The author, theologian and artist, Charles McCollough, tells the parables in a new visual way with his artwork. He first puts the parable in a visual format with his sculpture and then discusses the historical and political context of the story. The artwork helps bring the stories to life and the discussion stimulates the imagination to think about the stories in a new way.
The book includes all of the story parables of Jesus, questions for discussion and a CD PowerPoint presentation for projection during worship or with discussion groups. ISBN 978-1-55145-563-1, list price $34.95, $23.07 on amazon.com
October 2008
 This month’s featured resource is a new book by Rev. Nanette Sawyer, pastor of Willow Park Grace in Chicago. Hospitality, the Sacred Art is a guide for the practice of deep hospitality in the church. This thoughtful book will give readers a new understanding of invitation and welcome as a spiritual practice that can be a powerful influence in relationships with others and with God. Sawyer both describes and models this practice. She writes as a Christian, but incorporates perspectives from several religious traditions. Examples of hospitality at Willow Park Grace are interesting reading.
This book is part of the Art of Spiritual Living Series from Skylight Press. It sells for $16.99 ($13.25 on amazon.com) ISBN 1-59473-228-0
September 2008
 For the Love of It is the newest DeWitt Jones inspirational film from Star Thrower Distribution. Using beautiful photography, this training program encourages us to live each day with a full cup. Key concepts include honoring our passion, making a contribution to those around us, and expressing gratitude. A purchase of the DVD includes a leader’s guide, participant’s workbook, pocket reminder cards and a PowerPoint presentation. Training materials are similar to other DeWitt Jones training programs.
This would be a great addition for your resource center and useful for helping pastors and other leaders redevelop their passion.
Produced 2007and distributed by Star Thrower, it is 26 minutes long and sells for $350 with faith community discount.
August 2008
 If you’re interested in the post-modern church, this month’s featured resource is a good read. This new anthology, edited by Leonard Sweet, features writers Greg Galtz, Stephen Joubert, Alan Jamieson, Dries Lombaard, Younglae Kim, Earl Pierce, Bill Easum, Michael Blewett, Mark Batterson, Tom Bandy, Peter Walker, and of course Leonard Sweet. Individually and together, the essays present a very clear picture of the obstacles facing the 21st century church. The book’s overall message is churches and denominations must move out of the safe harbor and into the storm that is today’s world.
Ministry consultant, George Bullard describes the book this way “Just as during a hurricane the safest place for ships is not the harbor, but the deep water, so Christianity in a post-modern era must launch out into deep water and face head-on the perfect storm created by the convergence of postmodernity, religious pluralism, institutionalized Christianity, and militant atheism.”
Published by Abingdon Press, ISBN 978-0-687-65089-7, the book sell for $16.00 ($10.88 on amazon.com)
July 2008
 This month’s featured resource is a children’s book, God Thought of You, by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones. Published in 2004, this was a recent and pleasurable on-line discovery and an immediate purchase for the Resource Center. The text is beautiful. Who could resist hearing about the joy with which God created the world? And Jennifer Johnson Haywood’s illustrations are a wonderful complement to the text. The story tells of God’s delight in creating the world. Children are described as friends of God who will love and care for the earth. If you don’t already have it, this would be a great edition to your children’s collection. It would also make a great gift for a new baby. Published by Morehouse Publishing, ISBN 0-8192-1987-8, the hardcover edition lists for $16.95.
April 2008
 Blogs can be an essential tool for sharing the story. In his new book The Blogging Church, Brian Bloom offers insights for people reading, writing, or just interested in blogs. This book will tell you the what, why and how of blogging in the local congregation. It’s easy reading and gives simple instructions and examples for the non-technical person. It teaches the value of connecting people and building communities in a whole new way. The book has sample blogs from popular bloggers and interviews with blogging pastors. Written with Terry Storch, this book will answer your questions about the value of blogging in the local congregation. Published by Jossey-Bass, ISBN 978-0787984878, this paperback sells for $19.95 ($13.57 on amazon.com).
March 2008
 The video version of the family storybook Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen is this month’s featured resource. This video makes a wonderful companion to the original story. In it Gandy shares her recipe for “tear soup” which helps her heal after an unnamed loss. The story reinforces that each person must heal in their own way and in their own time.
The original illustrations by Taylor Bills were filmed in digital format and then combined with the voice of Mary McDonald-Lewis to tell the story. Music and sounds were added to complete the documentary style video. A viewer’s guide with grief tips that serve as discussion starters is included. This DVD would be a great addition for families, grief support groups and workshops.
ACTA Publications, 20 minutes, DVD, $29.95
February 2008
 This month’s featured resource is Countering Pharaoh's Production-Consumption Society Today, one of the new DVD based adult studies from Living the Questions. Described as a study for progressive Christians, this program has five sessions, 10 to 20 minutes each, and can be conducted over four to five sessions. Included is over an hour of video on DVD and a CD with printable written materials.
Hosted by Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggeman, each session begins with warm-up question video clip like “Can you be a born again Christian and a progressive Christian at the same time?’” or “How are we to understand the role violence plays in the Scriptures?” Session themes are: The Way Out; The Decalogue; Countering Caesar; An Act of Imagination; and On Not Doing God Any Favors.
This would be a good resource to use during Lent. It shows how all of us struggle with the temptation to hang on to our possessions. I found the content thought provoking. It could stimulate good conversation even among less progressive groups.
From the LTQ website: WARNING: THIS PROGRAM MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR CHURCH, SOCIETY AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE, AND COULD POTENTIALLY HELP RESTORE THE MEANING OF COVENANT.
Sample previews are available from www.livingthequestions.com Purchase price is $100 plus shipping.
January 2008
 The new book by Harvard Business School lecturer John Kotter is January’s featured resource. Our Iceberg Is Melting: Changing and Succeeding Under Any Condition is a modern fable about problem solving and doing well in a changing world. Based on extensive research it illustrates how eight steps produce needed change in any sort of group and is a companion to the book Leading Change. The book can be used as a discussion starter for planning effective change or as a tool to explain the change process.
Similar to Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese?, Our Iceberg Is Melting looks at ways organizations can facilitate change. While both are modern day parables, Who Moved My Cheese? is about the personal impact of changes and individual responses. Our Iceberg Is Melting illustrates how organizations can identify problems and develop a team building structure to initiate change.
This is a fast and easy read. The illustrations are good and it is entertaining as well as informative. I would recommend this resource as a study book for leaders of groups experiencing change, especially unexpected change.
Published by St. Martin’s Press, the hardcover edition sells for $19.95 and the ISBN is 0-312-36198-X. For more resources and ideas visit www.ouricebergismelting.com
December 2007
 Milestones Ministries Manual
This month's featured resource is the Milestones Ministries Manual from the Youth and Family Institute. Milestones Ministry is a ministry embraced by a growing number of congregations. The Youth and Family Institute describes their Milestone Ministry this way: Milestones partner home and congregation for effective faith-nurturing ministry. Most importantly, Milestones Ministry transforms congregations with the vital mission of "Tending the Baptismal Journey" through all the ages and stages of a life centered in Christ. Milestones bring God's presence into the home, and the rituals of daily life into the church.
The new manual that goes with the Milestones Ministry Program has a section for celebrating each of sixteen milestones. Milestone events include Making and Receiving a Faith Chest, Baptism, Prayer, Welcoming Young Children to Worship, Entering Sunday School, Kid's and Money, Blessing of the Backpacks, First Communion, Bible Presentation, First Time Campers, Sexuality, Middle School, Entering Confirmation, Confirmation, Driver's License, and High School Graduation.
Each milestone has a leader's section with a clear explanation of desired outcomes, sample letter for parents, and leader orientation. There is a worship service with liturgy included, a worship and bulletin insert, a home blessing for parents and family members, and plans for a cross-generational event. Each blessing section includes an appendix and ideas for outreach and evangelism.
This is written from a Lutheran perspective, but is easily adaptable for other faith traditions. It would make a good addition to your family ministries section.
The manual is $99, a ceramic Milestones Blessing Bowl with separate symbols for each milestone is available for $25.99. The URL is www.youthandfamilyinstitute.org
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