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

This video is one of presentations given by Dale Galloway at the Congress On Evangelism 2001 held January 2-5, 2001 in Washington DC.

This video is one of presentations given by Dale Galloway at the Congress On Evangelism 2001 held January 2-5, 2001 in Washington DC.

A video program helpful to recreation leaders and camp staff. Purpose: to build an awareness of responsibility for risk management in each staff member; train staff to recognize the ripple effect of their decisions on future events; identify the rationale for policies and procedures and the significance of not implementing those policies and procedures.

"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.

"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.

This is an audiocassette taped of Closing Worship and the sermon by Bishop Joe Pennel, Jr. at the Congress On Evangelism 2001 held January 2-5, 2001 in Washington DC.

Tape 1 of 3.
This video is a Lecture given by James Logan at the Congress On Evangelism 2001 held January 2-5, 2001 in Washington DC.

Tape 2 of 3.
This video is a Lecture given by James Logan at the Congress On Evangelism 2001 held January 2-5, 2001 in Washington DC.

Tape 3 of 3.
This video is a Lecture given by James Logan at the Congress On Evangelism 2001 held January 2-5, 2001 in Washington DC.