MARC - Social/ Ethical Issues

PENTECOST JOURNEY- A Planning guide for Non-Hispanic/Latino Congregations

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:06:30 -0700

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Pentecost Journey, written by Marigene Chamberlain and Melanie Lee Carey, helps churches develop comprehensive ministry plans that honor the uniqueness of the Hispanic/Latino cultures while considering the intercultural context of ministry in the United States. Video testimonials on the DVD provide opportunities to engage in conversation and hear from people whose lives have changed through the ministry of The United Methodist Church. Resource includes: The Planning Guide with three sections (workshop style - 120 minutes per session), worksheets and supplemental sheets, suggested resources, Power Point presentations, and the complete text of the original Pentecost Journey.

Length: 93 minutes

Publisher: Discipleship Resources

Published Year: 1999

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

SISTERS ON THE PLANET

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:34:57 -0800

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As obvious as it sounds, climate change affects everybody. But climate change is already having a disproportionate impact on people in developing countries, and it's hitting women hardest. It's not the easiest idea to understand, so to help explain, view the DVD "Sisters On The Planet", highlighting women in both rich and poor countries, who are determined to do whatever they can to put a stop to climate change. Watch them and become aware of the impact our changing climate is having on people's lives. And be inspired to join the fight against climate change too. A perfect resource for your UMW programming needs!

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: Oxfam

Published Year: 2010

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

JOURNEY THROUGH THE SHADOWS- Hope for Healing after someone you love has committed suicide

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:36:32 -0800

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Suicide deeply affects the lives of those who are left behind by the one who has died. With so much pain and sorrow it is difficult to know how to navigate these changes. This DVD offers encouragement and support to survivors who are both grieving the death of a loved one to suicide, and wondering why it happened at all. Advice from experts and family members who have walked this path combines with resources that teach friends how they can help. Topics include: 1. The Initial Impact 2. The Question "Why?" 3. Feelings of Guilt 4. Why Suicide is so Hard to Talk About 5. Finding Support 6. How Friends and Family can Help

Length: 50 minutes

Publisher: Paraclete Press

Published Year: 2011

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

DOWNLOAD- Teaching Teenagers to Filter Their Media Choices

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:45:55 -0700

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Your teenagers are inundated with media every day—video games, TV, movies, YouTube, texting, Facebook, iPods. In fact, studies show that the average teenager consumes more than 7 hours of media a day. That doesn’t even count any media related to homework assignments or class projects! With so many media options out there, it’s critical for teenagers to be equipped with tools that help them make wise choices. That’s where Download comes in. This 3-week video curriculum from youth culture expert Walt Mueller will teach your teenagers how to filter their media choices. In a culture where the traditional institutions like families, schools, and churches don’t nurture teenagers like they once did, students are turning more and more to the media for the nurture and guidance they need. Give your students—and their families—tools for walking wisely in this media-saturated worldDOWNLOAD- Teaching Teenagers to Filter Their Media Choices. Lessons include: Lesson 1 – Discover [10:22] Lesson 2 – Discern [9:47] Lesson 3 – Decide [10:49] Includes CD with downloadable discussion guide, promo. materials, poster, etc.

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: Group Publishing

Published Year: 2010

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

PEACE WITH JUSTICE LIBRARY

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:09:51 -0700

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Peace with Justice is a faithful expression of shalom in the Bible. It calls the church to "strengthen its capacity to advocate publicly in communities and nations" throughout the world. The Peace with Justice program aims to make shalom visible and active in people's lives and communities by setting people free from bondage. We will celebrate peace with justice when all people have access to adequate jobs, housing, education, food, health care, income support and clean water. We will further celebrate when structures and systems that reflect economic exploitation, war, political oppression and cultural domination no longer exist. The Old Testament speaks of God's sovereignty in terms of covenant, more particularly the "covenant of peace" with Israel, which binds that people of God's shalom (Isaiah 54:10; Ezekiel 37:20). In the covenant of shalom, there is no contradiction between justice and peace or between peace and security or between love and justice (Jeremiah 29:7). In Isaiah's prophecy, when "the spirit is poured upon us from on high," we will know that these laws of God are one and indivisible: "Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places" (Isaiah 32:16-18, NRSV). The MARC office houses the Peace with Justice Library (formerly located at GR Trinity UMC), a collection of 63 books and videos. For a complete listing of these resources, contact Betsy Weems in MARC at marc@wmcumc.org. For additional information on Peace with Justice Ministries, visit the web page on the West Michigan Conference website at www.westmichiganconference.org, or contact Ellen Brubaker, West Michigan Conference Peace with Justice Coordinator.

LIVES FOR SALE

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:14:55 -0700

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A new documentary on Immigration and Human Trafficking. Lives for Sale goes beyond the rhetoric to show why immigrants are willing to risk everything - even virtual slavery - for the American Dream. While politicians, activists and the media wrestle with the thorny issue of immigration, this new investigative documentary exposes the painful, rarely seen human side of illegal immigration; especially the growing black market trade in human beings. Study guide included on DVD

Length: 58 minutes

Publisher: MaryKnoll Productions and Lightfoot Films

Published Year: 2006

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

CARE FOR RETURNING VETERANS

Wed, 12 May 2010 07:57:13 -0700

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About half of all service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are members of the National Guard or Reserves, which means they return to their home communities and churches after deployment - and often churches do not know how they can help. "How they reenter daily life after combat is a significant question for local churches," quotes the Rev. Tom Carter, director of endorsement and pastoral care for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry's United Methodist Endorsing Agency. "Many resources have been developed and provided for churches, but this DVD, produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. is the best that I have seen," Carter said. "The DVD, developed as workshop resources for congregations or individuals, provides background information of the issues of serving in combat and practical ways for individuals or congregations to reach out in love and support." This resource can be used in workshops for pastors, caregivers, or as an adult Sunday school. Although much attention is given to physical injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder, there are many other issues that face service members returning from combat. The local church can play an important role in making returning service members feel welcomed back into their communities. What has your congregation done to support those who have been willing to risk their life in support of your way of life? Includes: - Veterans' issues and the military experience - Psychological issues - Moral and Spiritual Impact - Family Impact - Resources and Programs

Length: 45 minutes

Publisher: Evangelical Lutheran Chrurch

Published Year: 2009

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

CELEBRATE WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD

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

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"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

CELEBRATE WHAT'S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:42:52 -0800

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"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 key 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. This CD Rom includes power point presentation, video transcript, and power point viewer.

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:50:46 -0800

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Our nation is experiencing what many have described as the “American Nightmare.” Increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, rising housing costs and a volatile stock market are all contributing to economic insecurity. We live in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it. Simplicity, Generosity and Joy leads participants to examine their own values and habits around wealth, spending, discipline, giving and contentment. This six session video study features Reverend Adam Hamilton presenting: -Introduction: Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis -When Dreams Become Nightmares -Wisdom and Finance -Cultivating Contentment -Defined By Generosity -Bonus video: To Be A Blessing Dave Ramsey - "We Americans love our stuff. We’re living in a fast-paced, me-first, instant-gratification world, and it’s finally catching up to us. Debt is out of control, homes are in foreclosure ... even banks are going out of business. What the world needs today is the message of contentment and simplicity, and that’s exactly what Pastor Adam Hamilton delivers in Enough." Additional DVD with stewardship program, including printible artwork, bulletin samples, video clips, and other helpful resources.

Length: 15-20 minutes/session

Publisher: Church of the Ressurection

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

Caring for Children, Caring for Creation

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:19:54 -0800

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Increased incidences of obesity, type II diabetes, learning and developmental disabilities, fertility challenges, and other health concerns all happen to have links to chemicals in the places we work, worship, and play. As people of faith we have a commitment to ensuring that the health of God's people and Creation are protected. Presented by The National Council of Churches and National Religious Partnership on the Environment this resource, through a combination of interviews and narrative, will whet the appetite of any individual or group exploring a faith-based response to the health and safely of our environments: home, schools, playgrounds, etc. Accompanied by a study guide; perfect for an adult study class!

Length: 20 minutes

Publisher: National Council of Churches of Christ * Eco-Justice Program Office

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

SAFETY NET KIDS- BULLIES: STAND TALL, BE STRONG

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:29:10 -0700

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Glenn Olson, founder of Safety NET Kids Bullies program, teaches children the importance of building good friendships, how to respond to threats and physical abuse; and how to handle name-calling by instilling confidence with the aid of fun games and high energy content!

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: Oblate Media

Published Year: 2005

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

SAFETY NET KIDS- NO EASY TARGETS

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

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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

WHEN CHRISTIANS GET IT WRONG

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:32:47 -0700

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Listen to Adam Hamilton, Pastor of Resurrection UMC in Leawood, Kansas, in his Feb. 2009 "When Christians Get It Wrong" series as he addresses the issue of how our society treats/views homosexuals. This video does not deal with his thoughts on the issue of whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong, but instead focuses on how we engage with that particular segment of our population in a negative unscriptural manner. Adam Hamilton offers "What Would Jesus Do?"

Length: 30 minutes

Publisher: Church of the Ressurection

Published Year: 2009

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted

SERVANT OR SUCKER?

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:39:48 -0700

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We've all been there. Someone who is obviously poor or homeless approaches you and asks for money. What do you do? Do you give money knowing there's a good chance it will be used on drugs or alcohol or do you say "no" or even ignore the person as you walk by? No one wants to be a sucker in these situations, but at the same time Jesus' call to help the poor echoes in our hearts and minds. Servant or Sucker? will help viewers discern appropriate, Christ-centered actions when it comes to addressing poverty on a personal or organizational level. It includes the realities of poverty such as the concepts of time, relationships, money and values; a "poverty tour"; interviews with those who are homeless or poor; interviews with those who have helped and/or have been suckered; and steps you can take to be an effective servant without getting suckered. Leaders guide included on DVD. 5 sessions include: 1. The Dilemma 2. Why Do People Beg? 3. An Individual's Response 4. Making Compassionate Decisions 5. Churches and Organizations' Response

Length: 10-15 minutes- each session

Publisher: UM Communications

Published Year: 2008

Viewing Rights: Church Use Permitted