Presbytery of Geneva Resource Center
Back to Newsletter index
Back to main page
Hey! What's new at the Resource Center??
Vol. 2, No. 6 November 1999
Editor: Leslie Latham
INSIDE:
Letter from Leslie New Resources Church Educator's Corner Training Officers of the Church After the Rummage Sale Upcoming Events
Dear Friends,
Last week, I was privileged to attend the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches in Cleveland. There were three "faithquakes" for me: attending the service of recognition and remembrance for the survivors of the 1950 massacre at No Gun Ri, Korea; listening to surprise speaker Rev. Jesse Jackson at Andrew Young's inauguration as President of NCC; and attending a workshop on Jubilee 2000. The words of Dr. Molefe Tsele of South Africa electrified me as he preached the social justice issues which are the foundation of Jubilee. I formulated a to-do list for our 10,000 Presbyterians on the spot!
1. PRAY-for ourselves, our leaders, for those who suffer from injustice around the world.
2. Arm yourself with J2000 knowledge; call me or any member of Peacemaking, Social Concerns or COWAC for help.
3. Urge your representatives to vote for debt relief. Write compassionate and fact-filled letters and visit your representative's offices. Minister to them. Sign petitions and send them in. Those who went to the Advocacy training at Stony Point last week were told that each letter carries the weight of well over 240 voters! Make your voice heard.
4. Order Jubilee pins from Church World Service (1-800-297-1516) and wear one every day. Answer questions about it.
5. Practice social justice. Consider joining the juice fast for justice any day before the end of the year.
6. Make a commitment to be in Washington, DC, on April 9, for the Jubilee 2000 rally. Let's send buses of pastors, elders, deacons and lay persons!
Go in peace, Leslie
NEW RESOURCES
Book of Occasional Services. A Supplement to the Book of Common Worship, this useful resource is a collection of specialized worship services, including ordination and installation of Deacons, Elders and Ministers of the Word and Sacraments; commissioning, dedications, and services marking transitions in a congregation or governing body. PC(USA) 1999. PR3.1-109
His Name is Joel: Searching for God in a Son's Disability. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc shares her journey of despair and joy as she tells of raising a Down's Syndrome child. Even as she and her family struggle, they feel God's presence as they learn to love and live with their unique, "perfect" child. Bridge 1999. PR13.6A101
What Christians Believe: Confirmation Studies for Persons with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. There has long been a need for a biblically sound confirmation curriculum for people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. This non-denominational resource helps teachers explain God's love; Jesus' life, death and resurrection; the Bible, sacraments and more in easily understood ways and through a spectrum of hands-on activities. This curriculum is easily adaptable to group size, including one-on-one, and for students of varying levels of ability. Bridge 1999. PR2.44
Recreation with Dance, Movement and Music. For Glenn Bannerman, playing is serious business, and in this wonderful book, he and Neil Pugsley play with using music in recreation. The book includes detailed descriptions and instructions for activities such as square, contra, folk and ethnic dances; games, singing, as well as fundamental information on sound systems and leadership skills. Bridge, 1999. G10.3-17
Controversial Discussion Starters for Youth Ministry. If you find that your youth groups want to talk about controversial topics, but you're not entirely sure what the Bible has to say on the subject, this is the ideal book for you. Each of the 34 topics, such as abortion, euthanasia, premarital sex, hell for non-believers or drug abuse, is set up in a yes/no fashion. Kids choose sides (it's enlightening for a youth to defend a position contrary to his/her beliefs) and debate the issue. Scriptural references and several examples are provided for each issue. One-time permission to photocopy is included. Group, 1992. PR9.2-26
The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart. Peter Gomes, Preacher to Harvard University, has a mission. He wants Christians to put the Bible, the "lively word of God," back into their minds. Gomes has seen that sales of Bibles have skyrocketed, but he's also experienced first-hand the alarming illiteracy that plagues our churches. The Good Book brings forth three questions for the reader to ponder regarding the Bible: "What is it? How is it used? What does it have to say to me?" Gomes understands the risks involved; we've all seen the holy Word of God misused to further aims other than God's kingdom on earth, but he believes that it is vital for Christians to make the Bible a dynamic part of our daily lives. Highly recommended reading! William Morrow, 1996. PR4.1A67
Close to Home: Moyers on Addiction. Nearly all of us, myself included, has a story about addiction. Someone in our family, a close friend or oneself has struggled with alcohol or other drug abuse. After his son became a drug abuser, he decided to pursue the culture of addiction. Five videos contain the programs A Portrait of Addiction, The Hijacked Brain, Changing Lives, The Next Generation, and The Politics of Addiction. Powerful and disturbing, this series is licensed for church use and would be a stimulating topic for an adult study group. Each video lasts 57 minutes, except Changing Lives which is 81 minutes long. Thanks to the Geneva Church for their help in purchasing this series. EcuFilm 1998. VC13.6A20(a-e)
Church Educator's Corner
NEW CURRICULA TO DEBUT!
Last month, I gathered with 30 or so Presbyterians in Cherry Hill, NJ, to study in-depth the new Presbyterian curricula, Covenant People, Bible Quest, and The Present Word. They look exciting! To start with the simplest, The Present Word-for adults- is a continuation of the Cooperative Uniform Series started 130 years ago and most recently the adult curriculum for Bible Discovery. It is in-depth study of the scripture, perfect for a faithful group which meets every week.
For children, there is Bible Quest, which, like Bible Discovery, is a multi-denominational Bible-based curriculum for children up to 8th grade. The emphasis is for learners to engage with bookmark stories through drama, art, music and so forth, then interpret and share the story. An audio CD is an integral part of nearly every lesson. Bible Quest offers conventional age groupings, and also a broadly-graded K-8 pack as well.
Covenant People is Presbyterian through and through. This curriculum is potentially the most exciting for me. The premise is the "Weave," which draws together biblical narrative, spiritual practices,and basic beliefs, the last of which are all founded on The Brief Statement of Faith. All students from the youngest to the oldest focus on the same stories and beliefs, often using questions from the new catechism for children, except for students in grades 5 and 6, who do an Old Testament and New Testament survey in their respective classes. The goal is literacy: understanding what it means to be a Reformed Christian, what the Bible and our Confessional tradition teach, and how to walk with God using a variety of spiritual practices. It's colorful, it utilizes multiple intelligences, it's easy to use, and samples of every piece will be in the office in mid-February, after APCE. In the meantime, please contact me with your questions.
Noticias de Mexico
From January 8-16, 2000, ten brave souls from the Presbytery of Geneva will be in Chetumal, Mexico (on the southern border of the Yucatan Peninsula), where we will be working on helping our partners finish the Maranatha Church. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. If your session would like to make a contribution toward materials, please contact the Presbytery Office.
Training Officers of the Church
The annual election of officers is close at hand. How does your church teach new leaders what is expected of them? The Resource Center offers two recommendations: have all church leaders attend the annual Training Event on the first Saturday in March at the Penn Yan Church, and utilize these books, periodicals and videos available at the Resource Center:
Revised Church Officer Pre-Ordination Curriculum. PR1.1-2
Vanguard: A Bulletin for Church Officers. PR1.1-6
The Book of Order. PR1.1-8
The Ordination Questions. Brief readings with questions for study and reflection. PR1.1-31
Presbyterian Polity for Church Officers. A comprehensive interpretation of the Book of Order. PR1.1-34
Session Activities Index helps provide answers about the role of the session. Seven areas of responsibility are considered: worship, pastoral care, church education, mission, governance, administration, and presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. PR1.1-37
The Presbyterian Elder. An easy-to-use guide for current and future elders. Contemporary examples highlight this book's relevance, while quotations from the Bible and the Constitution of the church make it an excellent study guide. PR1.1-38
We Believe: A Study of the Book of Confessions for Church Officers, will help Presbyterians, especially current and future church officers, understand more fully the creeds that are a part of their faith. PR1.1-53
Consider Your Ministry: A Study Manual for New Officers. Guidance to understand the mission of the church. PR1.1-55
Transforming Church Boards Into Communities of Spiritual Leaders. Serving on a board actually becomes an opportunity for faith development even as the business of the church is being conducted. PR1.1-60
A Ministry of Service: A Guide to the Meaning of Ordination and Church Office in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Looks at: Why We Ordain; A Model for Ministry: Service to and for God; Offices for Ministry and Their Core Functions; Preparing for Ministry: Discerning Gifts and Character. PR1.1-62
Called to Serve: A workbook for training nominating committees and church officers. PR1.1-64
Spirit Windows: A handbook of spiritual growth resources for leaders. PR1.1-67
Church and Society The bi-monthly journal of the Social Justice and Peacemaking Unit of the PC(USA). Each issue focuses on one topic. PR13.1A2
Presbyterians Today. This magazine highlights what is happening throughout the denomination. Multiple copies are available. PR13.1A3
Christian Century. An ecumenical effort, this mostly-weekly gives insight into current events throughout the Protestant church. PR13.1A25
VIDEOS:
So You've Been Elected an Elder... is a six-part video and workbook to prepare newly-elected Elders for the constitutionally-required ordination exam. VC1.1-3
Across the Centuries: The Book of Order Today teaches elders about the Book of Order. A study guide by Don Griggs accompanies the tape. VC1.1-4
So You've Been Elected A Deacon focuses on: the Office of Deacon, Presbyterian Faith and Order, Deacons at Work, Duties and Ordination. VC1.1-6
After the Rummage Sale!
Do you have choir robes you no longer use, that are still in good shape? Old candelabra, an organ, books, or even church school curriculum which never got used? Here's a way to clear your church closets and help those in need.
Christian Salvage Mission will collect materials for newly organizing churches, just for the price of getting the materials there. All materials should be in good condition and clean (no written-in curriculum, please). Please consider a monetary donation to cover CSM's costs. Have fun cleaning out those closets! Contact them at
Christian Salvage Mission
200 Free Street PO Box 356
Fowlerville, MI 48836-0356
517-223-3193
www.csmbooks.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Don't miss out on what's happening in the Presbytery! Please contact the Presbytery Office for more information on all events.
2000
1/8-16 Presbytery Mission Trip to Caribe Presbytery
Please pray for all involved.
1/23 Presbytery Midwinter Event
Beach Party at Keuka College (Penn Yan) for middle and high school youth. Aloha!
2/1-5 Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE)
For all Christian Educators: workshops, worship and energy for your program. Call for a registration packet. Houston, TX
2/12 Hunger Outreach Ministries in Your Community
A workshop for all those who want to know more about Hunger ministries in our Presbytery.
Penn Yan Presbyterian Church.
3/4 Leadership Day
Sara Covin Juengst will "Equip the Saints" for the ministry of teaching. As always, the CE Committee will provide training for elders, deacons and other church leaders. Penn Yan Presbyterian and Episcopal Churches.
7/27-30 Many Voices, One Calling
In our own backyard! The Synod of the Northeast is sponsoring an intergenerational mission conference focusing on our Presbytery's international partnerships. Bring your family and join people from around the world, including 4 from our sister Presbytery in Mexico. Wells College, Aurora, NY
Using This Newsletter
Hey! What's New at the Resource Center?? is published during Presbytery months: January, March, May, September and November, and is distributed to Pastors and Elder Commissioners in the Presbytery packet, and mailed to all Church Education contact persons, as supplied by the 61 churches of the Presbytery of Geneva. We urge you to photocopy and distribute articles and information to members of your congregations as needed.
Any member of the Presbytery is free to copy or use any information in this newsletter in church publications without prior permission. We do ask that you let us know what you've used and how. If you know of someone who should be receiving this publication, or if you have an idea for an article, please contact Leslie Latham at the Presbytery Resource Center, (315) 536-7753, or e-mail resctr@eznet.net. This newsletter will only get better with your help!
Grace and peace to you all.