The book of faith faith as a window, a lens for looking at the world

German theologian Paul Tillich liked to speak of faith as a window, a lens for looking at the world. He challenged students to consider the Bible, prayer—even Jesus—as windows or ways of looking beyond the thing itself to what lies beyond it. Tillich warned against making the window itself—whether Scripture, prayer, or our own tradition—the objects of our devotion.

The biblical stories are remarkable wellsprings. Burbling up century after century, the insights and wisdom they offer continue to challenge, assault, comfort, and even frustrate listeners who find them both compelling and disturbing. These stories are windows for looking at the world and at our own lives. They help us see!

An ongoing ELCA initiative called the Book of Faith invites us to “open scripture and join the conversation.” It’s a way of helping Lutherans engage with the biblical stories. While we don’t make the Bible into an object of worship, the living Word is the lens through which we make sense of life and faith.

You will find here the Book of Faith collection of resources. They provide one way to engage in opening Scripture and whetting our appetites for the riches of the biblical stories. Open scripture! Join the conversations!

Introduction to the book of faith…

…is best described on their website or social network sites: ning | facebook | twitter .

Augsburg Fortress has published the wide array of resources described here (Visit their store). You will also find preview copies of all the Book of Faith offerings in the EaND Synod Resource Center listed here.

How did the Bible come to be our Book of Faith?

Try Rediscovering the Book of Faith, a DVD, leader guide, and participant book. (K164)

How can the Book of Faith renew our lives?

Try Opening the Book of Faith, a DVD, leader guide, and participant book that introduces four approaches: devotional, historical, literary, and theological. (K163)

What Bible might I use?

The Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV) provides hands-on tools for using the Bible—basic introductions to each book, background information, maps, charts, illustrations & more. It’s a great place to begin!

Where might we begin?

Try Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith or Making Sense of the Christian Faith both by David Lose.

Bibles…

….include the following:

• The Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV)
• Spark Story Bible for children ages 2-2nd grade
• Spark Bible—NRSV for children 3rd-6th grade
• Bibles on CD-Rom
• Other Bibles

Additional Resources…

…can be found at the Book of Faith’s Bible resources page where there are links for the following:

• A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to Studying the Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to the Books of the Bible
• About the Bible: Short Answers to Big Questions
• The Old Testament Story
• Fortress Introduction to the New Testament

Together in Faith…

…includes studies that connect with worship themes and follow the Revised Common Lectionary (available at Augsburg Fortress).

• God’s Will for Life (Studies in Mark)
• God’s Extraordinary Church (Studies in Ephesians)
• God’s Standard or Gold Standard? (Studies in Proverbs)
• Songs of the Faithful (Studies in the Psalms)
• Great Expectations (Studies in Isaiah)
• Heaven on Earth (Studies in Matthew)
• Questions for Jesus: Studies in Mark
• Being the Body of Christ: Studies in 1 Corinthians
• From Beginning to End: Studies in Revelation
• Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind: Studies in Luke
• God’s Own People: Studies in 1 Peter
• Signs of the Kingdom: Studies in Matthew
• Church in Waiting: Studies for Advent

Additional Bible Studies…

…appropriate for meeting openers, small groups, and for other short activities are available for free on the following topics:

• Deuteronomy 11:18-19 with Norma Cooke Everist
• Mark 4:2-3 with F. Javier Goita Padilla
• Psalm 111:2,10 with Thulie N. Beresford
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 with Mark Powell
• Jeremiah 17:7-8 with Marty Stortz 
• Romans 8:37-39 with Roy Harrisville
• John 15:5 with Craig Satterlee 
• Revelation 22:1-2 with Susan McArver 
• Amos 5:24 with Peter Nash 
• Matthew 25:35-36 with Kristin Swanson 
• Mark 8:34-35 with Mary Streufert 
• John 1:14,16 with Erik Heen 
• Isaiah 55:1-11 with Stan Olson 
• Augsburg Adult Bible Studies
• No Experience Necessary Bible Studies

Find more Book of Faith resources at Augsburg Fortress 

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: Lutherans and the Bible

Advent Reflections: I Wonder as I Wander invites readers, congregational groups, and families to observe the four weeks of Advent reflecting on texts and themes of hope, love, joy and peace. It includes ritual, prayer, activities, questions. Very fine and ideal for entire congregational use as part of the Book of Faith family of resources (external link). (AFP)

Christmas, Festival of Incarnation by Donald Heinz is a beautiful overview of the cultural history of Christmas, a call to “authentic celebration.” Additional study resources available online at Fortress Press (external link). (AFP)

Sundays and Seasons, Year A, 2011 This is a must-have for every congregation! As we begin a new church year, the very best resources for worship planning are found here. It includes preparation for each season, weekly texts, seasonal rites, music and so much more. Take a look at our preview copy or subscribe online at www.sundaysandseasons.com (external link). (AFP)

For individuals, groups, families, confirmation students: don’t forget Bread for the Day 2011. This beautiful collection of readings, prayers, table graces, hymns and rituals is a rich companion for the new church year! (AFP)

For midweek worship in Advent, the Resource Center has a variety of services available for loan. They include Flames for the Faithful, The Word Fulfilled, A Place Prepare, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, More Services for the Advent Wreath, and more.

An especially beautiful book for celebrating Advent and Christmas, Winter: Celebrating the Season in a Christian Home by Peter Mazar combines readings, images, and reflections. (Liturgy Training Publications)

Christmas programs are available for many kinds of settings. Call the resource center for help!

For adult study, Sing the Faith: Carols of Christmas is a pleasing way to reflect on five well-known Christmas carols including Once in David’s Royal City, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World and more. Five sessions. (AFP)

Paula Gooder’s The Spirit of Advent: the Meaning is in the Waiting is a lovely book of meditations focusing on the spiritual practice of waiting. Provocative and insightful!    (Paraclete Press)

For daily reflection, I’m eager to read The Christmas Mystery. This “perfect Christmas tale” by Norwegian novelist Jostein Gaarder comes highly recommended!

DVDs for group use include “Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World?”; five compelling 2-3 minute video illustrations about Jesus’ birth in “Advent”; “Advent Calendar on DVD”; “The Christmas Story”; and “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Life is for Living: Advent Reflections based on the O Antiphons is a beautiful set of reflections by Joan Chittister. (Benetvision)

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: Open for Exploration: Advent …the coming of God!

Worship planning and Christian education resources at TextWeek.com (external link)

For thoughtful reflections about all things related to learning and faith formation for children, youth, and adults, go to LifelongFaith.com (external link)

A rich well of resources for faith communities from the Alban Institute is available at CongregationalResources.org (external link) Excellent for call committees, leaders in all areas of congregational life, transition times.

Join conversations about bible study and Book of Faith resources at Bookoffaith.ning.com (external link) Interesting opportunities for sharing ideas and resources with people around the church.

Wanting to share your own creative work, writing, ideas for ministry? Go to ELCA.feautor.org (external link) This multilingual, open source site features unpublished resources for all areas of congregational life.

Hand in Hand blog digest from ELCA Global Mission (external link) for finding stories, bulletin blurbs, and devotion ideas from mission partners around the world. Two Pentecost stories just posted: The Pentecost spirit renews the faith< (external link)/a> and An unfolding Pentecost story (external link).

HeartsAndMindsBooks.com (external link) Book notes, reviews, articles for pastors, church leaders, or anyone who cares about congregations and ministry.

Stoles and paraments available from InterWovenStudio.com (external link)

Check out SanctuaryRenovation.com (external link), a collection of gifted liturgical artists in the Upper Midwest who work with congregations on both small and large projects.

The Story of Stuff (external link) Don’t miss this award-winning environmental stewardship video.

Go to www.elca.org (external link) for the latest news, resources and more from around the ELCA.

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: Open for Exploration: Best Web Resources

For a rich Lenten worship experience, be sure to consider the new Holden Prayer Around the Cross, a set of resources by Susan Briehl, Tom Witt, and Marty Haugen adapted from Holden Evening Prayer and Prayer Around the Cross. It includes fourteen sample liturgies that could be used in a variety of settings. To accompany Holden Prayer Around the Cross, a set of musical resources is available in Singing Our Prayer: Companion to Holden Prayer Around the Cross.

Ask about a new Lenten series called Water for Your Soul: Living in Baptism Every Day by Glenn Borreson. It’s a powerful way to focus on baptismal catechesis and includes material for Ash Wednesday to Holy Week.

Brand new from Augsburg Fortress, Worship Guidebook for Lent and the Three Days is a must-have for worship planners and leaders. The Music Sourcebook for Lent and the Three Days is also new. Preview copies available.

The 40 Day Journey books for small group study or individual use are ideal for Lent. The newest is Book of Faith Lenten Journey: Marks of the Christian (based on Romans 12). Additional titles include 40 Days with the Lord’s Prayer;

40 Day Journeys with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Joan Chittister, Julian of Norwich, Martin Luther, Madeleine L’Engle and others.

Find complete worship planning beginning with Ash Wednesday see the newly expanded resources online at Sundays and Seasons (external link).

Gail Ramshaw’s 40 Days and 40 Nights is a beautiful collection of readings for the weeks of Lent.

The Three Day Feast (by Gail Ramshaw) from Worship Matters gives worshipers and worship planners much to ponder – a feast itself!

Lutheran poet and writer, Herb Brokering, has given us Stations of the Heart, a beautiful book of devotional reflections.

Finally, take a look at From Death to Life, a new book about resurrection hope by EaND synod pastor Scott Block, Grace / Oakes and Nazareth/Cogswell.

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: Open for Exploration: Lent 2009

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

As part of the ELCA’s Book of Faith Initiative (external link), we offer this collection of resources highlighting a variety of tools for studying the Bible. For the next five years, congregations and individuals are encouraged to engage in a deeper understanding of scripture through intentional study. As a church grounded in the means of grace–word and sacrament–we come together each Sunday for the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the sacraments.

Featured Resources:

• How Do Lutherans Interpret the Bible? Mark Allan Powell (VT2487-2488)
• “Where Did the Bible Come From?” from Mark Allan Powell in the series Wouldn’t You Like to Know? (VT2422)
• The Bible Tutor by Craig Koester (CDR7)
• The Bible Guide (Augsburg Fortress) (B2652)
• Crossway’s The Bible’s Big Story: Our Story by Harry Wendt (PR662)
• Who’s Who in the Bible: An Illustrated Biographical Dictionary (B2117)
• For maps, an index of Bible places, and texts about Biblical sites, The Student Bible Atlas and The Student Bible Guide both by Tim Dowley are helpful. (PR403, PR405)
• Robert Backhouse’s The Student Guide to Bible People. (PR404)
• The Bible: What’s It All About (VT967)
• Understanding the Bible (VT1017)
• The Bible on Cassette: Faith Comes by Hearing (C128)
• Great Figures of the Bible Elie Wiesel (VT1248-1253)
• History’s Golden Thread: the History of Salvation by Sofia Cavalletti (B2470)
• Remembering the Women: Women’s Stories from Scripture (B2386)
• Opening the Bible: What It Is, Where It Came From, What It Means for You by Robert Kysar (B2351)
• Craig Koester’s A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible (B862)
• Walter Brueggemann, Imagination: New Approaches to the Bible Brueggemann (VT1027)
• Interpreting the Old Testament Fretheim – Terence Fretheim (VT1509-1511)
• Manna and Mercy – Dan Erlander (PR170)
• What’s God Up To? Amy Jill Levine (VT2393-2394)
• N.T. Wright’s New Testament video series (VT2290, VT2115, VT2305, VT2288)
• Biblical Intertextuality: The Bible is Full of Itself James Sanders (VT2130)
• The Bible: Fact or Fiction? Amy Jill Levine and Walter Brueggemann (VT1897)
• John Shelby Spong’s Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism (B1101)
• …For Everyone by N.T. Wright (B2980=)
• Bruce Feiler’s Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses (B2789)
• In the Beginning: Critical Concepts for the Study of the Bible by James W. Aageson (B2419)
• Barbara Bruce’s 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults (B2753)
• Discovering the Bible (VT1532)
• The Play and Learn Bible (CDR1)
• Bible Stories for the 40 Days by Melissa Nussbaum. (PR479)
• The Amazing Bible Expedition (CDR10)
• Family Bible Cards (K132)
• A selection of Bible games includes Bible Pictionary (G10), Bible Trivia (G11), In Other Words: Bible Edition (G24), and The Family Bible Game for Lutherans (G27).
• Teaching Children Bible Basics by Barbara Bruce (PR680)
• “Davey and Goliath’s Devotions”
• The Lutheran Handbooks I and II (PR914, PR982)
• The Student Bible Dictionary (B3440)

Links in this article:

• www.elca.org/bookoffaith (external link)
• www.augsburgfortress.org/community/bookoffaith (external link)
• www.leaderresources.org/walkingthebible (external link)

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: Biblical Resources for Congregational Life