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

Updated November 19, 2009

One of the most difficult faith issues of our day centers on matters of sexuality and our differing perspectives. Trying to determine exactly what it means to welcome gay and lesbian people to full participation in the life of our congregations continues to be a challenge for us. We have asked for discerning conversation within the church and called for an end to discrimination, assault, and harassment of homosexual persons. But questions related to leadership issues of ordination as well as blessings for same-sex unions remain. How will we as Christians continue to grapple with these complicated issues of human sexuality? How can we be faithful, compassionate, gracious as we wrestle with the place of homosexual persons in the community of faith?

This collection of resources includes materials that reflect the church’s ongoing conversation. It is meant to further productive dialogue. This is by no means a comprehensive list. It is one of many compilations of thoughtful resources. Our hope is that these materials will contribute to understanding and insight. As we continue to work toward a satisfactory policy for including gay and lesbian persons in the life of the church, we invite our congregations to pray for discernment and to use the many resources meant to help address this issue confronting both church and society. Then perhaps we can begin to move beyond divisiveness and politically correct ideologies (whatever they are) to talk about human faces and about justice for and reconciliation with all God’s people.

Featured Resources:

• The Blue Book – What We Wish We Had Known: Breaking the Silence, Moving Toward Understanding
• Congregational Hospitality to Gay and Lesbian People: Resources for Congregations
• Congregations Talking About Homosexuality by Beth Ann Gaede
• Now the Silence Breaks: Toward A Pastoral Understanding of Homosexuality
• Beyond the Bible: Parents, Families and Friends Talk About Religion and Homosexuality
• When Christians Disagree by Harvey and Lois Seifert
• “My Journey Isn’t Over” by Gwen Sayler
• “Sexuality in Ministry” – Spring 2001 issue of dialog: A Journal of Theology
• “Same Gender Unions? Ordination?”
• Bishop’s Pastoral Letter on Resolution #1: The Recognition and Blessing of Relationships by Peter Rogness
• A Call for Dialog: Gay and Lesbian Christians and the Ministry of the Church
• I Belong by Janet Blair
• Sexuality and the Sacred: Sources for Theological Reflection edited by James B. Nelson and Sandra P. Longfellow
• “There is Almost No Justice for Homosexuals in Christianity” by Clark Morphew
• Breaking Silence: A Message to Clergy from a Lesbian Lutheran
• Statement to the Conference of Bishops by Jane Ralph and Delaney Dean
• Gay and Lesbian Ministry in the ELCA by Verlyn Smith
• Homosexuality, Science and the “Plain Sense” of Scripture, edited by David L. Balch
• Homosexuality in the Church: Both Sides of the Debate, ed. by Jeffrey Siker
• Homosexuality and the Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches edited by Walter Wink
• The Church and the Homosexual by John J. McNeill
• Sexual Fulfillment by Herbert Chilstrom and Lowell Erdahl
• The New Testament and Homosexuality by Robin Scroggs
• Homosexuality and Christian Community edited by Choon-Leong Seow
• Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality by John Shelby Spong
• The Church and Homosexuality: Searching for a Middle Ground by Merton P. Strommen
• Embodiment: An Approach to Sexuality and Christian Theology by James B. Nelson
• Is the Homosexual My Neighbor? Another Christian View by Letha Scanzoni and Virginia Ramey Mollenkott
• Pastoral Care of Gays, Lesbians, and Their Families by David K. Switzer
• Can We Just Talk About It: The Church and Homosexuality (video)
• Call to Witness (video)
• Lutherans Reflect on Human Sexuality (video)
• May We Talk? A Reflection on Human Sexuality (video)
• My Son, My Son (video)
• One Christian’s Journey (video)
• Talking Together as Christians About Homosexuality: A Guide for Congregations (video)
• Water on the Desert Road: Acts 8 and Unauthorized Ministries with Barbara Lundblad (video)

Featured Links:

• ELCA Journey Together Faithfully (external link)
• Lutherans Concerned / North America (external link)
• The Leaven Center (external link)
• Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (external link)
• Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (external link)
• National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (external link)

Recent Additions:

Added November 19, 2009

• Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust Social Statement (external link) adopted at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
• ELCA Ministry Policies (external link)
  This page provides the ELCA’s current ministry policies and information on the process for implementing changes in ministry policies mandated by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.
• Reflections on the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and the Bible (external link) by Timothy Wengert
• Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009 Churchwide Assembly (external link) actions regarding human sexuality
• Beyond the Bible and Homosexuality: A Journey into the Heart of God
  A presentation at Seminary of the Prairie by the Rev. Steven Kindle (Open Files, 2004)
• The ELCA in Dialogue: We Need to Talk (VT2482)
  Dialogue, stories and experiences of individuals and families from the Red River Valley of ND and MN. Copies may be ordered from dialoguevideo@yahoo.com
• For the Bible Tells Me So (DVD272)
  This award-winning documentary addresses questions of homosexuality and Biblical scripture. It deals with questions like “is the chasm separating Christianity from gay and lesbian persons too wide to cross?” and “does God condemn loving homosexual relationships?” It offers stories and experiences of healing, clarity, and understanding to anyone “caught in the cross hairs of scripture and sexual identity.
• What Does This Mean? A Lutheran Way of Approaching Scripture, the Christian Faith, and 2009 ELCA Decisions
  A PowerPoint presentation prepared by synod leaders, Shar Gumke and Rich Fitzer, for congregations discussing the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. DVD includes PP, sexuality documents, and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson’s presentations. (Open Files)
• Homosexuality: Perspectives for the Church (DVD4)
  These four perspectives reflect conservative notions of issues related to sexuality including what presenters call “the pseudo-identity of homosexuality.” It supports therapy to change sexual orientation.
• Listening to the Spirit: A Handbook for Discernment (B3654)
  Presents a process of discernment for guidance in considering the question, “what is the gospel message to our church as we relate to gay and lesbian Christians?”
• And God Loves Each One (PR1011)
  A resource for dialogue about sexual orientation.
• “Is the Homosexual My Neighbor?” (external link)
  An article by Tony and Peggy Campolo
• Made in God’s Image (PR1012)
  A resource for dialogue about the church and gender differences.
• What Do You Say When Someone You Love Says, I’m Gay? (VT2309)
  A father, pastor and bishop discusses the issue of homosexuality and the struggle in church and society to make sense of the issue.
• Dealing with Tough Issues as Christians (VT2283)
  Demonstrates a process for helping people discuss tough controversial issues honestly and without fear. Part two focuses on homosexuality. Guide.
• Taking a New Look: Why Congregations Need LGBT Members (B3655)
  Invites congregations to welcome and affirm gender differences, helping members see the blessings differently gendered persons bring to the church.
• Greater Milwaukee Synod Sexuality Discussion (VT2416)
  This three part presentation includes helpful reflections on various aspects of homosexuality and the role of the church. Speakers include former bishops, John Beem and Herbert Chilstrom and Drs. Gordon Lathrop and Bruce Malchow.
• As My Own Soul: The Blessing of Same Gender Marriage by Chris Glaser (Seabury Books)

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: Talking Together as Christians about Homosexuality