MARC - Local Congregations

A FRESH START

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:34:33 -0700

Image:

There's something about back-to-school that makes everyone feel the possibility of a fresh start. For students leaving behind the grades of prior semesters, becoming an A student feels like a possibility once again. Getting new school supplies is fun (at least for kids) and that new pencil box, markers, and notebooks gives the feeling of starting with a clean slate. A new window to the world is open and anything seems possible. Back-to-school can ignite these feelings in adults as well - it's almost like a mini-new year! Back-to-school season is also a time of refocus for the church, bringing people together to start new spiritual disciplines. Christian educators create sign-up lists for classes that meet congregational context, and create hospitable environments for the Holy Spirit to flourish. Teachers prepare in study and prayer for the work that lies ahead. "A Fresh Start," the latest multimedia bundle from United Methodist Communications, encourages congregations to look at the back-to-school season as a chance for all persons to begin anew, as a time of refocus for the church, and a way to create that hospitable environment for the faith community. This four-week series addresses the following topics: Week 1: Backpack Blessings: taking God with you to face fear, uncertainty and dreams Week 2: Fitting In, or Becoming Fit: self-acceptance, peer pressure and self-worth in God Week 3: When the Lead Breaks: dealing with disappointment Week 4: Each Day a New Beginning: learning how to begin again Outbound challenges are included to help the congregation take faith to the streets and show the love of Christ. This "Fresh Start" multimedia bundle includes: -5 Worship Videos - Worship Slide and Bulletin Cover Graphics -Direct Mail, Door Hangers, Newspaper and Invitation Card artwork to invite others

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: UM Communications

Published Year: 2011

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

WHEN GOD'S SPIRIT MOVES

Mon, 02 May 2011 09:10:06 -0700

Image:

What happens when the Holy Spirit moves powerfully within a church? Pastor and best selling author, Jim Cymbala, shows you how to welcome God's Spirit in a way that can invigorate your church and infuse a fresh sense of his power in your life. In this six-session DVD study you will not only learn about the person of the Holy Spirit, you will learn: How to make room for the Spirit's action in your life and in your church; how God wants to work through your gifts and talents to enable you to do what only he can do; how to listen for the voice of the Spirit in prayer and how to apply God's Word to your life; how the Spirit can bring healing to your body, your emotions, and your relationships; how a life lived in the presence of the Spirit can transform the church and the world; and how your church can become a place where people regularly experience God's presence and his power.

Length: 6 sessions/25 minutes each

Publisher: Zondervan

Published Year: 2011

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

VITAL SIGNS- A Pathway to Congregational Wholeness

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:30:35 -0800

Image:

Author: Dan R. Dick

Like many mainline denominations, The United Methodist Church is ailing. Declining membership, worship and Sunday school attendance, outreach and giving - all troubling signs. In an age of megachurches, ""Ten Steps to ..."" congregational self-help programs point to models that might not be in the church's best interest. Following the suggestions of this new conventional wisdom may reverse the trends and attract thousands to highly entertaining services (bolstered by a strong budget and marketing plan) led a charismatic pastor, but is that the true picture of a vital church? Could it be that our measure of success is wrong? Could it be we're diluting the real mission of the church? "Bigger says nothing about faithful, and active says nothing about effective. The value of our ministry is judged by the impact it makes on people's lives" says author Dan Dick. Dick's extensive research identifies four church types: decaying, dystrophic, retrogressive and vital. With candor he describes each, including examples of communities within the types. While reading about these types may be painful, the intent is to provide tools to move toward vitality. Help your church become transformed into a community that works - hard - together to engage in courageous ministries of witness! ***Resource includes leader and discussion guide for a 6 week "congregational conversation", written and provided by Julie Dix, Grand Rapids Metro Director***

"IT"- HOW CHURCHES AND LEADERS CAN GET IT AND KEEP IT

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:17:37 -0800

Image:

Craig Groeschel, founding and senior pastor of LifeChurch.tv, takes you on a nine-session video journey to discover the powerful presence from God that he calls IT at work in many churches. Each video session is approximately ten-minutes long and focuses on the many facets of 'what is IT and where did IT come from.' Craig will explore the necessary contributions to IT such as vision, divine focus, unmistakable camaraderie, innovative minds, willingness to fall short, hearts focused outward and kingdom-mindedness. He concludes the video experience with a session on 'do you have IT and how to keep IT once you have IT.' This video is designed for leadership groups and church groups and includes discussion questions on the DVD at the end of each session. Sessions include: 1. What is IT? 2. Vision 3. Divine Focus 4. Unmistakable Camaraderie 5. Innovative Minds 6. Willingness to Fail 7. Outward Hearts 8. Kingdom Mindedness 9. Getting It Back 10 minutes/session

Length: 100 minutes

Publisher: Willow Creek

Published Year: 2009

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

CELEBRATE WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:51:48 -0700

Image:

"Celebrate What's Right with the World" teaches what a powerful force having a vision of possibilities can be. In this resource, Dewitt Jones offers seven key concepts that can help each of us find ways to celebrate what's right with the world. He asks: Do we choose to see possibilities? Do we really believe they're there? The kie concepts in this program are: believe it and you'll see it; recognized abundance; look for possibilities; unleash your energy to fix what's wrong; ride the changes; take yourself to your edge; and be your best for the world. Stunning photography and powerful dialogue also help us see how we can approach our lives with celebration, confidence and grace. CD Rom (CD 0025) includes power point presentation, video transcript, and power point viewer.

Length: 22 minutes

Publisher: Star Thrower

Published Year: 2001

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

Safety Tips On A Sensitive Subject: Child Sexual Abuse

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:19:25 -0800

Image:

Safety Tips On A Sensitive Subject: Child Sexual Abuse is a 15-minute look at steps you and your congregation can take to help prevent an incident and how your organization should react if there is an allegation.

Length: 15 minutes

Publisher: Church Mutual

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

SANTA'S LEADERSHIP SECRETS

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:19:04 -0700

Image:

Like all leaders, Santa Claus has challenges to deal with everyday. In this enthusiastic and lively training program, viewers will see how Santa meets these leadership challenges! Learn first hand how Santa and his team accomplish big things in their workshop…all year long! The inspirational leadership message, along with the entertaining animation will make you want to watch this film again and again. This powerful and entertaining, animated training program focuses on leadership principles relevant to every organization. Santa's Leadership Secrets will help participants see the importance of walking their talk and becoming the kind of leader that others believe in. Key Concept 1: Leadership Is About Walking The Talk There is a difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Walking the talk means turning ideas and intentions into behavior. Key Concept 2: Do The Right Thing Leaders need to be confident and do the right thing all the time! This sets a positive, encouraging example for the people in their organization. Key Concept 3: Get Past The Red Wagons A leader needs to help others understand the value of change. Key Concept 4: Build A Wonderful Workshop The physical space is irrelevant compared to what happens inside. Building a community and working together is what really contributes to future success. Key Concept 5: Share The Milk And Cookies Co-workers and colleagues need to let one another know that they are appreciated. Key Concept 6: People Want To Believe People want to believe in their organizations, leaders, and colleagues. Walking the talk honors their belief and their confidence.

Length: 12 minutes

Published Year: 2004

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

PowerPoint Presentation: Yes

SAFETY NET KIDS- NO EASY TARGETS

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:19:08 -0700

Image:

Introducing a new and exciting way to teach and reinforce the important knowledge that will help to ensure your child's safety! In this unique video, No Easy Targets, Glenn Olson, founder of Safety NET Kids, teaches children the importance of knowing when its OK to say no, about unwarranted touches, what to do when they are approached or grabbed by a stranger, and how to react in other potentially dangerous situations.

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: Oblate Media

Published Year: 2003

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

SECRETS OF EFFECTIVE GIVING IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED CHURCHES

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:09:24 -0800

Produced by Rev. Dr. Wayne C. Barrett, CFP, of the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan in cooperation with West Michigan Conference Communications. This 17 minute video presents some of the most common difficulties encountered by the smaller church as well as techniques that can be used to overcome these obstacles. Strategies presented include foundation matters of attitude and style as well as practical actions that can improve the financial life of any congregation. There is also a discussion guide for use in small groupings such as administrative council or finance committee meetings.

Length: 17 minutes

Publisher: West Michigan Conference Communications, United Methodist Foundation of Michigan

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS- Volume II

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:18:03 -0700

Open ended discussion from a Family Systems point of view regarding immature vs. mature leaders in a congregation. Authored by Peter L. Steinke. Segment I: The Anxious Congregation Segment II: The Responsible Congregation

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: Healthy Congregations

Published Year: 2005

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS- Extravagant Generosity

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:11:43 -0700

Image:

The purpose of this series is to identify and connect congregations and church leaders who seek to multiply their ministries by repeating, deepening, and improving on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations:, which include: #1- Radical Hospitality #2- Passionate Worship #3- Intentional Faith Development #4- Risk-taking Mission and Service #5- Extravagant Generosity This DVD in the series focuses on the fifth, and last of the five practices- Extravagant Generosity. Extravagant Generosity describes practices of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures.

Length: approx. 30 minutes

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS- Risk-Taking Mission and Service

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:07:28 -0700

Image:

The purpose of this series is to identify and connect congregations and church leaders who seek to multiply their ministries by repeating, deepening, and improving on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations:, which include: #1- Radical Hospitality #2- Passionate Worship #3- Intentional Faith Development #4- Risk-taking Mission and Service #5- Extravagant Generosity This DVD in the series focuses on the fourth of the five practices- Risk-Taking Mission and Service. Risk-taking pushes us out of our comfort zone, stretching us beyond service to people we already know, exposing us to people, situations, and needs that we would never ordinarily encounter apart from our deliberate intention to serve Christ

Length: approx. 30 minutes

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS- Intentional Faith Development

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:59:51 -0700

Image:

The purpose of this series is to identify and connect congregations and church leaders who seek to multiply their ministries by repeating, deepening, and improving on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations:, which include: #1- Radical Hospitality #2- Passionate Worship #3- Intentional Faith Development #4- Risk-taking Mission and Service #5- Extravagant Generosity This DVD in the series focuses on the third of the five practices- Intentional Faith Development. Intentional refers to deliberate effort, purposeful action, and high priority. Growing in grace does not come without purposeful commitment to learning the faith and cultivating our love for God.

Length: approx. 30 minutes

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS- Passionate Worship

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:38:25 -0700

Image:

The purpose of this series is to identify and connect congregations and church leaders who seek to multiply their ministries by repeating, deepening, and improving on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations:, which include: #1- Radical Hospitality #2- Passionate Worship #3- Intentional Faith Development #4- Risk-taking Mission and Service #5- Extravagant Generosity This DVD in the series focuses on the second of the five practices- Passionate Worship. Practicing passionate worship, whether traditional or contemporary, means an extraordinary eagerness to offer the best in worship, honoring God with excellence, and with an unusual clarity about the purpose of connecting people to God.

Length: approx. 30 minutes

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

FIVE PRACTICES OF FRUITFUL CONGREGATIONS- Radical Hospitality

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:27:43 -0700

Image:

The purpose of this series is to identify and connect congregations and church leaders who seek to multiply their ministries by repeating, deepening, and improving on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations:, which include: #1- Radical Hospitality #2- Passionate Worship #3- Intentional Faith Development #4- Risk-taking Mission and Service #5- Extravagant Generosity This DVD in the series focuses on the first of the five practices- Radical Hospitality. Practicing radical hospitality means we present the absolute utmost of ourselves, our creativity, and our abilities to offer the gracious invitation and welcome of Christ to others.

Length: approx. 30 minutes

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted