The Greatest Story: Jesus will engage, surprise, and transform your congregation as they explore the question “Who is Jesus?” Mark Allan Powell and Allen E. Hilton

The Lutheran Study Bible has gone mobile!

AF and Olive Tree Bible Software have teamed up to offer the Lutheran Study Bible in the BibleReader app.

To access this new resource:

1. Install the free BibleReader application
2. Open the app on your mobile device
3. Create an account
4. Purchase either Lutheran Study Bible with NRSV or Lutheran Study Bible Notes

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: New from Augsburg Fortress

Our new electronic resource, Open for Exploration, provides a monthly reminder about current resources. It’s downloadable and can be used as a bulletin insert or in congregational newsletters. It is also a feature in the synod monthly e-news, eQuip. Download this resource and/or subscribe to the eQuip online.

New Curriculum

Fed and Forgiven is a set of print and DVD resources introducing children and adults to the sacrament of holy communion. DVD segments explore the many meanings of the Eucharist in ways that are appropriate for each age level. A feast for all ages! (K168) (DVD279)

SPARK! Curriculum samples (ages 2-Grade 6) are available for preview. We also have SPARK children’s bibles as well as the new Lutheran Study Bible for loan. If your congregation is still deciding which material to use, go to a free curriculum selection tool (external link) from Augsburg Fortress.

Two new Vacation Bible School kits are available for preview. BaobabBlast from Augsburg Fortress (external link) focuses on God’s creation and the community of faith. ReNew from Spark House (external link) uses the Parable of the Sower to address care of creation and a green environment.

For older youth and adults, the LIQUID series invites participants into the Bible by pointing to specific stories and making them come to life with contemporary examples. Crossing features five stand-alone stories from Joshua. Mirror Image brings five well-known parables to life. (DVD316, 317)

For congregations interested in using the Alpha course as a practical introduction to Christianity, we have the “Just Curious Kit” introducing Alpha as well as the dvd set, The Alpha Course (express version and full length version). (K169) (DVD312, 313)

A ten-session dvd program, Living Faith by Tom Wright, explores the essentials of Christianity. The sessions explore scripture, history, beliefs and practices and how Christianity differs from other religions. (DVD315)

The Missional Church is a twelve-session dvd to help a congregation think more intentionally about its calling. Sessions focus on biblical understandings of the missional church in the Old and New Testaments, a Reformation understanding of mission, confessional and theological perspectives, and strategic models for helping lay leaders think about ministry in daily life. (DVD311)

Another excellent resource for rethinking what it means to be a missional church is The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church. Participants will learn how to recognize six important realities church leaders must face if we are to move beyond “churchianity” to a more authentic and missional Christian faith. This ten-session dvd curriculum includes a leader’s guide, participant guide, and four dvds. (DVD202)

A dvd resource about the history of conflict between religion and homosexuality has been given to the resource center. The documentary, For the Bible Tells Me So provides thoughtful reflection and background and offers clarity, healing, and understanding to anyone struggling with issues of scripture and sexual identity. (DVD 272)

EarthBound: Created and Called to Care for Creation is a cutting edge six-session series that takes Martin Luther’s understanding of justification and vocation and expands it across God’s magnificent creation. It addresses the origins of our misconceptions about scripture’s portrayal of creation and invites viewers to recognize God’s call to us to relate to the whole creation as our vocation. (DVD314)

A PBS special, The Congregation: Questions of Faith in Changing Times is the story of a church struggling with basic questions about being the church in the 21st century. A discussion guide accompanies the DVD. (DVD44)

Nooma films continue to be good discussion starters for all ages. The online catalog includes twenty-four titles including the newest, “Whirlwind” about wanting certainty and answers in a world that is often uncertain. (DVD278)

The ELCA’s Feautor.org (external link) – Check out this excellent open source site for sharing unpublished religious resources. Many resources posted here come from Eastern North Dakota Synod.

We have a large collection of Children’s books for loan. Check them out!

Modern Parables: Living in the Kingdom of God is a DVD-based bible study combining cinema and theology. Short dramatic films explain Jesus’ parables. 12 sessions, 12-20 min. each for older youth, adults. (DVD249)

Down and out: it’s the life God gives us, the life to which God calls us. Down and Out: Where Grace Takes You is a six-part series for adults about rediscovering what Martin Luther made so clear five centuries ago: grace takes us out into God’s world, out of our churches, to co-create with God on behalf of others, for the sake of the world. (DVD204)

LeaderResources (external link) has given us a preview copy of The Many Faces of God: An Interfaith Encounter for Youth and Adults by Denise Yarbrough. For ongoing study of interfaith issues, this provides a very thorough process for learning about other traditions. (PR992)

Logos Productions (external link) is highlighting a recent book by Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity together with two very interesting companion resources:

• Experiencing the Heart of Christianity is a twelve session program for small groups led by Tim Scorer and Borg (accompanying DVD) divided into two main parts: Seeing the Christian Tradition Again and Seeing the Christian Life Again.
• Living the Heart of Christianity–also a companion to Borg’s book–is a guide for putting faith into action.

Exploration of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

Many new resources on the topic of the emerging church are available. See our featured collection on the topic of the emerging church as well as the resource sheet called Being Church in the 21st Century: Themes from the Emerging Church.

Check out the following:

• The Future of Christianity: A Startling New Vision of Hope for the 21st Century (DVD262) Go to www.futureofchristianity.com (external link) to learn more about this conversation
• Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith by Diana Butler Bass (B3419)
• The Gods Aren’t Angry (DVD243) Rob Bell’s latest presentation on the origins of religion
• The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World by Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk (B3453)
• A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren (B3387)

Alban Institute Resources

Alban Institute’s (external link) free online guide to resources for faith communities is available at www.congregationalresources.org – Check it out it’s a treasure! Alban also offers regular webinars (external link) on topics of congregational life. Call the Resource Center for more information. We also subscribe to the Alban Weekly and have most Alban publications available for loan.

Labyrinth

Our portable labyrinth, Circle of Peace Labyrinth continues to be well-used. This twenty-four foot Circle of Peace canvas labyrinth is a seven-circuit Chartres design. It can be used as a spiritual tool, a way of silencing the noise and turmoil in our busy lives, and for centering and meditative or contemplative prayer. Call the Resource Center to reserve! (K147)

If you are interested in using the labyrinth, you may like to borrow a dvd, Rediscovering the Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation which introduces this ancient practice. (DVD100)

Continuing his series of conversations in spiritual theology, Eugene Peterson’s books and study guides provide stimulating grist for discussion:

• Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading (B3280)
• Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology (B3487)
• The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways that Jesus is the Way (B3388)
• Tell It Slant: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus (B3648)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: New Curriculum and Resources for the Missional Church

New Star Thrower (external link) leadership resources are now available.   Like Star Thrower’s Dewitt Jones videos (Focus Your Vision, Celebrate What’s Right with the World, and Everyday Creativity), these engaging short films focus on human interest topics. (DVD and print)  (4-10 minutes each)

• A Second Chance (everyone deserves a second chance)
• Differences (differences give us each unique skills and talents)
• Seeing Red Cars (encourages positive decisions, less negativity)
• We Are the Ones (looking to ourselves for leadership, change)

Continuing his series of conversations in spiritual theology, Eugene Peterson’s books and study guides provide stimulating grist for discussion:

• Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading
• Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology
• The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways that Jesus is the Way
• Tell It Slant: A Conversation on the Language of Jesus

Curriculum for fall and beyond….

We’ve been waiting a long time for this!  Fed and Forgiven is a set of print and DVD resources introducing children and adults to the sacrament of holy communion.  DVD segments explore the many meanings of the Eucharist in ways that are appropriate for each age level.  A feast for all ages!

SPARK! (external link) Curriculum samples (ages 2-Grade 6) are available for preview.  We also have SPARK children’s bibles as well as the new Lutheran Study Bible for loan. If your congregation is still deciding which material to use, go to a free curriculum selection tool (external link) from Augsburg Fortress.

Nooma (external link) films continue to be good discussion starters for all ages.  The online catalog includes twenty-four titles including the newest, “Whirlwind” about wanting certainty and answers in a world that is often uncertain. (DVD278)

Check out excellent ELCA’s Shared Resources (external link) open source site for sharing unpublished religious resources.  Many resources posted here come from Eastern North Dakota Synod.

We have a large collection of children’s books for loan. Check them out!

Modern Parables: Living in the Kingdom of God is a DVD-based bible study combining cinema and theology.  Short dramatic films explain Jesus’ parables.  12 sessions, 12-20 min. each for older youth, adults.  (DVD249)

Down and out: it’s the life God gives us, the life to which God calls us.  Down and Out: Where Grace Takes You is a six-part series for adults about rediscovering what Martin Luther made so clear five centuries ago: grace takes us out into God’s world, out of our churches, to co-create with God on behalf of others, for the sake of the world.  (DVD204)

Book of Faith

Go to www.bookoffaith.org (external link) for regular updates about resources.  Go to www.bookoffaith.ning.com (external link) for social networking and sharing stories of faith.

• New bible studies continue to be added to the Book of Faith offerings:
• Books of Faith studies include Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, John, Romans, Galatians, and I John and each is accompanied by a DVD for leader preparation.
• People of Faith studies include:
  • A Gardener, Two Travelers, and a Cheat (Adam, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob);
  • A Lamenter, A Dreamer and Two Pretty Good Leaders (Rachel, Joseph, Moses, Joshua);
  • A Grandmother to a King, A King-Maker, A King and a Royal Pain (Ruth, Samuel, David, Elijah);
  • A Prostitute, Two Prophets and Poor ‘Ol Job (Gomer, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Job).
  • Together in Faith includes three lectionary studies: God’s Will for Life (Mark); God’s Extraordinary Church (Ephesians); God’s Standard or Gold Standard? (Proverbs).
• David Lose’s new book, Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith is an introductory course focusing on seven questions for people new to bible study.
• Foundational courses include:
  • Opening the Book of Faith introducing four methods of bible study;
  • Rediscovering the Book of Faith, a three-session overview for beginners;
  • the new Lutheran Study Bible;
  • and SPARK bibles and curriculum for faith formation.
• DVDs for leader preparation are also available for preview.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: New Curriculum and Bible Study Resources

Curriculum for Fall

A free curriculum selection tool (external link) is available from Augsburg Fortress. We also have preview samples of SPARK (external link), faith formation curriculum for ages 2-Grade 6.

ELCA’s Feautor.org (external link) – Check out this excellent open source site for sharing unpublished religious resources. Many resources posted here come from Eastern North Dakota Synod.

Exploration of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

Many new resources on the topic of the emerging church are available:

• The Future of Christianity: A Startling New Vision of Hope for the 21st Century (DVD262) Go to www.futureofchristianity.com (external link) to learn more about this conversation
• Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith by Diana Butler Bass (B3419)
• The Gods Aren’t Angry (DVD243) Rob Bell’s latest presentation on the origins of religion
• The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World by Alan Roxburgh and Fred Romanuk (B3453)
• A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren (B3387)

LeaderResources (external link) has given us a preview copy of The Many Faces of God: An Interfaith Encounter for Youth and Adults by Denise Yarbrough. For ongoing study of interfaith issues, this provides a very thorough process for learning about other traditions. (PR992)

Logos Productions (external link) is highlighting a recent book by Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity (B3167) together with two very interesting companion resources:

• Experiencing the Heart of Christianity (B3435) is a twelve session program for small groups led by Tim Scorer and Borg (accompanying DVD) divided into two main parts: Seeing the Christian Tradition Again and Seeing the Christian Life Again.
• Living the Heart of Christianity (B3434) – also a companion to Borg’s book–is a guide for putting faith into action.

Book of Faith Resources

• Three new bible study series have been added to Book of Faith offerings:
  • Books of Faith studies include Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, John, Romans, Galatians, and I John and each is accompanied by a DVD for leader preparation.
  • People of Faith studies include A Gardener, Two Travelers, and a Cheat (Adam, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob); A Lamenter, A Dreamer and Two Pretty Good Leaders (Rachel, Joseph, Moses, Joshua); A Grandmother to a King, A King-Maker, A King and a Royal Pain (Ruth, Samuel, David, Elijah); and A Prostitute, Two Prophets and Poor ‘Ol Job (Gomer, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Job).
  • Together in Faith includes three lectionary studies: God’s Will for Life (Mark); God’s Extraordinary Church (Ephesians); God’s Standard or Gold Standard? (Proverbs).
• David Lose’s new book, Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith is an introductory course focusing on seven questions for people new to bible study.
• Foundational courses include Opening the Book of Faith introducing four methods of bible study; Rediscovering the Book of Faith, a three-session overview for beginners; the new Lutheran Study Bible; and SPARK bibles and curriculum for faith formation.
• DVDs for leader preparation are also available for preview.

Alban Institute Resources

Alban’s free online guide to resources (external link) for faith communities is available. Check it out, it’s a treasure! Alban also offers regular webinars (external link) on topics of congregational life. Call the Resource Center for more information. We also subscribe to the Alban Weekly (external link) and have most Alban publications available for loan.

Labyrinth

Our portable labyrinth, Circle of Peace Labyrinth (K147) continues to be well-used. This twenty-four foot Circle of Peace canvas labyrinth is a seven-circuit Chartres design. It can be used as a spiritual tool, a way of silencing the noise and turmoil in our busy lives, for centering and meditative or contemplative prayer. Call the Resource Center to reserve!

If you are interested in using the labyrinth, you may like to borrow a dvd, Rediscovering the Labyrinth: A Walking Meditation (DVD100) which introduces this ancient practice.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: New Resources for Fall

Coming soon to the resource center is Book of Faith Course I. Watch too for a Lenten resource called 40 Days with the Book of Faith. A set of CDs by John Shea focusing on the gospels, Gospel Food for Hungry Christians: Images and Reflections from the Gospels by John Shea provides stimulating insights into  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  (CDs 37, 38, 39, 40)

A newly revised DVD by Mark Allen Powell, How Lutherans Interpret the Bible is a seven session introduction to basic issues of biblical interpretation.  Titles include The Word of God, What Lutherans Say About the Bible, Where the Bible Comes From, Interpreting the Bible in Context, Determining Right from Wrong, The Many Meanings of the Bible, and Devotional Bible Reading.  (DVD228)

Romans: Living Faithfully is a twelve session DVD course for exploring the great themes in Romans.  Participants will experience an overview of this important letter and basic insights into what Paul meant by the bad news of human sin and the good news of justification.  Presented by Walter Taylor, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.  (DVD225)

Another helpful New Testament resource is David Rhoad’s Dramatic Presentation of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.  This dramatic reading of the epistle to the  Galatians illustrates the power of the spoken word.  It also includes background on the church at Galatia and a feature on justification.  (DVD227)

The Gospel of John is a new six session overview of the structure and theology of John’s gospel. Presentations are by Robert Kysar.  (DVD226)

Craig Koester’s The Death of Jesus in the Gospel of John could serve as an additional look at John’s account of Jesus’ arrest and trial including four different perspectives on the meaning of the crucifixion.  Three lectures and a comprehensive study guide.  (DVD229)

Encountering God in Scripture: Finding Yourself in the Story of God includes ten 5-minute sessions on “the big questions about the Bible.”  Five short bible studies and a study guide are also included.  (DVD201)

Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study is a must have.  This basic introduction to bible study by Diane Jacobson, Mark Allan Powell, and Stanley Olson.  Four sample studies are included.

Additional resources for the Book of Faith can be found in “Biblical Resources for Congregational Life,” a Recommended Resource Collection from the resource center, as well as in the Topic: ELCA Book of Faith section of this website.

New from Rob Bell

If you’ve not had a chance to view the Nooma films by Rob Bell, you might like to take at the newest Nooma films:  Nooma: She on feminine language and imagery for God and Nooma: Open on prayer.  These short (10-12 minutes) films address questions of faith and life in deeply meaningful ways.

Exploration of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

Many new resources on the topic of the emerging church are available.  The downloadable Recommended Resource Sheet entitled “Being Church in the 21st Century: Themes from the Emerging Church” is a good place to start.

The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church is a ten-session DVD curriculum by Reggie McNeal.  It’s meant to help participants recognize six important realities church leaders must face if they are to move beyond “churchianity” to a more authentic, missional faith.  (Leader and participant guide) (DVD202)

Logos Productions is highlighting a recent book by Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity together with two very interesting companion resources:

1. Experiencing the Heart of Christianity is a twelve session program for small groups led by Tim Scorer and Borg (accompanying DVD) divided into two main parts: Seeing the Christian Tradition Again and Seeing the Christian Life Again.  (B3435)
2. Living the Heart of Christianity -also a companion to Borg’s book- is a guide for putting faith into action.  (B3434)

Tom Wright, whose New Testament work continues to enrich Christian life and study, has recently produced Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. He offers a fresh  presentation of the timeless truths of Christianity making the case that faith is reasonable and rewarding for us today.  In this ten session course, Wright expands on the themes of his acclaimed book “Simply Christian” in video-based lessons.  (DVD186)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: More Book of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

A newly revised DVD by Mark Allen Powell, How Lutherans Interpret the Bible is a seven session introduction to basic issues of biblical interpretation.  Titles include The Word of God, What Lutherans Say About the Bible, Where the Bible Comes From, Interpreting the Bible in Context, Determining Right from Wrong, The Many Meanings of the Bible, and Devotional Bible Reading.  (DVD228)

Romans: Living Faithfully is a twelve session DVD course for exploring the great themes in Romans.  Participants will experience an overview of this important letter and basic insights into what Paul meant by the bad news of human sin and the good news of justification.  Presented by Walter Taylor, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.  (DVD225)

Another helpful New Testament resource is David Rhoad’s Dramatic Presentation of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.  This dramatic reading of the epistle to the  Galatians illustrates the power of the spoken word.  It also includes background on the church at Galatia and a feature on justification.  (DVD227)

The Gospel of John is a new six session overview of the structure and theology of John’s gospel.  Presentations are by Robert Kysar.  (DVD226)

Craig Koester’s The Death of Jesus in the Gospel of John could serve as an additional look at John’s account of Jesus’ arrest and trial including four different perspectives on the meaning of the crucifixion.  Three lectures and a comprehensive study guide.  (DVD229)

Encountering God in Scripture: Finding Yourself in the Story of God includes ten 5-minute sessions on “the big questions about the Bible.”  Five short bible studies and a study guide are also included.  (DVD201)

Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study is a must have.  This basic introduction to bible study by Diane Jacobson, Mark Allan Powell, and Stanley Olson.  Four sample studies are included. Coming soon is Book of Faith Course I.  Watch too for a Lenten resource called 40 Days with the Book of Faith. A set of CDs by John Shea focusing on the gospels, Gospel Food for Hungry Christians: Images and Reflections from the Gospels by John Shea provides stimulating insights into Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  (CDs 37, 38, 39, 40)

Additional resources for the Book of Faith can be found in “Biblical Resources for Congregational Life,” a Recommended Resource Collection from the resource center.

New from Rob Bell

If you’ve not had a chance to view the Nooma films by Rob Bell, you might like to take at the newest Nooma films:  Nooma: She on feminine language and imagery for God and Nooma: Open on prayer.  These short (10-12 minutes) films address questions of faith and life in deeply meaningful ways.

Exploration of Faith and Emerging Church Resource

Many new resources on the topic of the emerging church are available.  See the Recommended Resource Collection: “Being Church in the 21st Century: Themes from the Emerging Church.”

The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church is a ten-session DVD curriculum by Reggie McNeal.  It’s meant to help participants recognize six  important realities church leaders must face if they are to move beyond “churchianity” to a more authentic, missional faith.  (Leader and participant guide) (DVD202)

Logos Productions is highlighting a recent book by Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity together with two very interesting companion resources:

1. Experiencing the Heart of Christianity is a twelve session program for small groups led by Tim Scorer and Borg (accompanying DVD) divided into two main parts:  Seeing the Christian Tradition Again and Seeing the Christian Life Again.  (B3435)
2. Living the Heart of Christianity-also a companion to Borg’s book-is a guide for putting faith into action.  (B3434)

Tom Wright, whose New Testament work continues to enrich Christian life and study, has recently produced Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. He offers a fresh  presentation of the timeless truths of Christianity making the case that faith is reasonable and rewarding for us today.  In this ten session course, Wright expands on the themes of his acclaimed book “Simply Christian” in video-based lessons.  (DVD186)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Book of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

Encountering God in Scripture: Finding Yourself in the Story of God includes ten 5-minute sessions on “the big questions about the Bible.” Five short bible studies and a study guide are also included. (DVD201)

Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study is just out. This little primer is a basic introduction to bible study by Diane Jacobson, Mark Allan Powell, and Stanley Olson. Four sample studies are included.

A set of CDs by John Shea focusing on the gospels, Gospel Food for Hungry Christians: Images and Reflections from the Gospels by John Shea provides stimulating insights into Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. (CDs 37, 38, 39, 40)

Additional resources for the Book of Faith can be found in “Biblical Resources for Congregational Life,” a collection from the resource center.

New from Rob Bell

If you’ve not had a chance to view the Nooma films by Rob Bell, you might like to take a look at the latest on prayer: Nooma: Open (DVD214). These short (10-12 minutes) films address questions of faith and life in deeply meaningful ways. We also have a longer presentation by Bell called Everything is Spiritual (DVD216). Additional titles and descriptions can be found in the online catalog.

Book Recommendations

The following titles are “must-reads!”

• Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles (B3432)
• Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
• Here if You Need Me by Kate Braestrup (B3409)
• Mission Trips that Matter: Embodied Faith for the Sake of the World by Don Richter (B3491)

Exploration of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

Many new resources on the topic of the emerging church are available. See the collection posted at under Recommended Resources called “Being Church in the 21st Century: Themes from the Emerging Church.”

The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church is a ten session DVD curriculum by Reggie McNeal. It’s meant to help participants recognize six important realities church leaders must face if they are to move beyond “churchianity” to a more authentic, missional faith. (Leader and participant guide) (DVD202)

Logos Productions is highlighting a recent book by Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity together with two very interesting companion resources:

• Experiencing the Heart of Christianity is a twelve session program for small groups led by Tim Scorer and Borg (accompanying DVD) divided into two main parts: Seeing the Christian Tradition Again and Seeing the Christian Life Again. (B3435)
• Living the Heart of Christianity-also a companion to Borg’s book-is a guide for putting faith into action. (B3434)

Tom Wright, whose New Testament work continues to enrich Christian life and study, has recently produced Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. He offers a fresh presentation of the timeless truths of Christianity making the case that faith is reasonable and rewarding for us today. In this ten session course, Wright expands on the themes of his acclaimed book “Simply Christian” in video-based lessons. (DVD186)

LeaderResources has given us a preview copy of The Many Faces of God: An Interfaith Encounter for Youth and Adults by Denise Yarbrough. For ongoing study of interfaith issues, this provides a very thorough process for learning about other traditions. More information available at www.leaderresources.org (external link).

Additional new resources on emerging church topics include:

• “Faith in Action: A Campaign Kit” for helping congregations think about church outside the church walls (K161)
• A book, Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass (B3419)
• A four session small group study on DVD may be helpful for thinking about faith practices. Based on the means of grace, Opening Ourselves to Grace: Basic Christian Practices explores basic practices through a four part video presentation, a six-week bible study, a discussion guide for group leaders, and additional resources

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Exploring Scripture, Faith, and Emerging Church

• How to Tell the Difference Between the Theology of Glory and Theology of the Cross–how does God work? (Timothy Wengert)
• How to Tell if Your Will is in Bondage and What to Do About It–why do we do things we know we shouldn’t do? (April Ulring Larson)
• How to Receive God’s Grace Daily–how are we saved? (Lawrence J. Clark)
• How to Tell the Difference Between A Saint and a Sinner–if we’re saved, why do we still sin? (Martha Stortz, Jane Strohl)
• How to Identify a Neighbor and What This Means for Lutherans–if we’re saved, can we do whatever we want? (Peter Nash)
• How to Tell the Difference Between the Kingdom on the Left and the Kingdom on the Right–should Christians be involved in the world? (Stephen Bouman)
• How to Tell the Difference Between a “Vocation” and a “Vacation”–can we make a difference in this world? (Mary Jane Haemig)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: The Lutheran Course II

Logos Productions is highlighting a recent book by Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity together with two very interesting companion resources:

• Experiencing the Heart of Christianity is a 12 session program for small groups led by Tim Scorer and Borg (accompanying DVD) divided into two main parts: Seeing the Christian Tradition Again and Seeing the Christian Life Again.
• Living the Heart of Christianity–also a companion to Borg’s book–is a guide for putting faith into action.

Tom Wright, whose New Testament work continues to enrich Christian life and study, has recently produced Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. He offers a fresh presentation of the timeless truths of Christianity making the case that faith is reasonable and rewarding for us today. In this ten session course, Wright expands on the themes of his acclaimed book “Simply Christian” in video-based lessons.

LeaderResources has given us a preview copy of The Many Faces of God: An Interfaith Encounter for Youth and Adults by Denise Yarbrough. For ongoing study of interfaith issues, this provides a very thorough process for learning about other traditions. More information available at www.leaderresources.org (external link)

Additional new resources on emerging church topics include:

• “Faith in Action: A Campaign Kit” for helping congregations think about church outside the church walls
• Three new NOOMA films: You, Today, and Name
• A book, Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Exploration of Faith and Emerging Church Resources

Signs of Lent is an adult study that follows the weekly texts for Cycle A from Matthew and John. Each segment is 10-12 minutes and follows a simple format:

• Gather and Center offers a simple worship ritual focusing on an art image selected for the week
• Enter and Engage explores the gospel passages sharing background information and inviting reflection on participants’ own faith journeys
• Ask Yourself suggests questions that offer that might stimulate fruitful dialog with scripture, self, and others
• Ponder and Pray gathers the threads of the scripture and weaves them into a closing ritual

A four session small group study on DVD may be helpful for thinking about faith practices. Based on the means of grace, Opening Ourselves to Grace: Basic Christian Practices explores basic practices through a four part video presentation, a six-week bible study, a discussion guide for group leaders, and additional resources.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

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Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: New Ideas for Lent