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Tackle Box III
Reviews of Faith - Sharing Resources
June 2000
Editor’s Note: This edition of Tackle Box has been prepared in cooperation with the Eastern Synod Learning Ministry Sub-Committee. Most of the faith-sharing resources reviewed here have been gathered and purchased by Learning Ministry to support and promote the Family Ministry emphasis in the synod. Most of the reviews were done by members of the Learning Ministry Sub-Committee.
Most of the resources reviewed in Tackle Box III are listed in the Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College catalogue. The Canadian distributor for Youth & Family Institute materials is:
Sperling’s Church Supply
85 Bathurst Drive
Waterloo, Ontario
N2V 1Z4
Phone: (519) 725-0333 Fax: (519) 725-0668
Toll free: 1-888-838-6626
Reviews are included for all the resource items on the following list.
* Item marked with an asterisk is not available for loan. All other items are available for loan from the Synod Office.
43. Anderson, David W., 1998. The Child In Our Hands Leadership Manual.
44. Beyond the News: Parenting Adolescents. Video. Mennonite Media, 1997.
45. Bickel, Kurt, 1996. Cornerstones for Christian Committees.
46. The Child In Our Hands. Video. Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1997.
47. Freudenberg, Ben, with Rick Lawrence, 1998. The Family Friendly Church.
50. Goodrich, Kristine, and Josetta Walsh, 1998. Faith-Full Families.
51. Griner, Lyle, 1997. Scripture Talk.
52. Hardel, Dick, and Deb Stehlin, 1998. Faith Talk with Children.
53. Hovel, Lee, 1999. The Child In Our Hands Milestones: Worship Celebrations.
54. It Takes More Than Love. Video. Seraphim Communications, 1995.
56. Osterman, Mary Jo, 1997. Claiming the Promise.
57. Roehlkepartain, Eugene C, 1998. Building Assets in Congregations.
60. Strommen, Irene, 1998. Faith & Skills for Parenting.
61. Strommen, Merton, and Charles Bruning, 1995. Faith Talk.
*62. Youth and Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1998. TalkPoints.
63. This Is My Story. Video. Lutherans Concerned/North America, 1996.
43. Anderson, David W. The Child In Our Hands Leadership Manual. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1998.
Binder. 320 pages. Part A: The Child In Our Hands Primer; Part B: Leadership Orientation and Strategies.
This manual contains all of the information and strategies needed for leaders to bring the Child In Our Hands process to their congregation. Part A: The Child In Our Hands Primer presents the research, rationale, and implications of this vision. Part B guides the congregation towards concrete action steps. The Child In Our Hands is about “being the people of God who pass on the Christian faith from generation to generation.” Its strength is that it contains the whole process; its weakness is that it is difficult to get the “big picture” without much study. The use of the video, also called “The Child In Our Hands”, does help to share the vision (See Item 46 of Tackle Box III for review of video).
This manual helps to clarify the background research and to generate excitement in the partnering of congregation and home. It is very useful for maintaining the vision and for reference while in the process. It is highly recommended for congregations using the Child In Our Hands model of Family Ministry.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling’s Church Supply approx. $127.95 Cdn
44. Beyond the News: Parenting Adolescents. With Walt Mueller, Cynthia Neal, Eugene Roehlkepartain, Mark Sender III, Brian Fountain, and Jolene Roehlkepartain. Vermont: Mennonite Media, 1997.
Video. One hour and ten minutes.
Study Guide. 27 pages.
The video begins with fast-paced clips of interviews with teens/parents/experts. The primary message is that parents can’t do it alone -- that the community, and particularly the faith community, is essential in the process of raising confident, caring children who want to serve others and are committed to faith.
The video is divided into seven discussion segments with a supplemental Youth Ministry segment. Each segment can be used with the enclosed Study Guide which provides questions for an intergenerational group, for adults only, and for teens only.
This video and study guide can be used as a conversational tool in many ways: youth/adult class, parents/teen class, in a retreat setting, in a parenting class, for youth ministry training/mentors. The video does have some weaknesses. It emphasizes that “it takes a community to raise a child, parents need mentors, and the congregation needs to include/accept and know the names of children.” What the video does not tell the viewer is “how” leaders can convince/show/solicit/demonstrate to the community that their help is needed as mentors and “good” role models. The video clips and the background scenes are limited and, therefore, constantly repeated with new dialogue over top. Also, watch out for the “spelling” mistake!
Rating: 3 fishes <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Vivian Roth
Available from: Mennonite Media / Phone: 1-800-999-3534
Also available from Sperling’s Church Supply approx. $39.95 Cdn
Available for loan through the Synod AV library - video #929
45. Bickel, Kurt. Cornerstones for Christian Committees. St. Louis: Cornerstone, 1996.
Binder. 24 pages. 24 sessions.
Each page contains a team building exercise (Opener) and a Scripture passage with a question for interactive discussion (Focus). These two are designed to be used at the beginning of a church meeting. To conclude the meeting, there is a meditation/prayer (Closing). The "target" audience for this resource is any Christian committee.
One strength of this resource is that the potential for balance between task and relationship will lead to a more effective committee. The Opener is a ten-minute exercise and the Focus is fifteen minutes with a ten-minute Closing. This is not excessive. Another strength is that the reproducible pages are complete and require little preparation. The Openers are simple but fun. The Focus develops ability to share faith and the Closing ends the meeting on a spiritual tone. While a weakness may be the time it takes (unless the participants see the value of it), this can be a very useful resource for any Christian group.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $32.25 Cdn
46. The Child In Our Hands. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1997.
Video. 42 minutes.
This video is all about the family and faith. It presents a model for effective ministry to children, youth, families, congregations, and communities. It was developed to assist clergy and lay leaders of congregations in sharing the vision of the Child In Our Hands and in working with home and church as partners in teaching and nurturing faith. The video features excerpts from presentations by Dr. David W. Anderson, Marjorie Thompson, Dr. Dick Hardel, and Dr. Roland Martinson. It is a companion to The Child In Our Hands Leadership Manual (Anderson, 1998; reviewed as Item 43 in Tackle Box III).
I would recommend this video for congregational use. Listening to the presentations, one can become excited about a new way to do family ministry. Families today are expressing a need for congregations to help them "become a family". This video is a great start for a congregation interested in nurturing faith through family ministry.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Irene Fancy
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $50.00 Cdn
Available for loan through the Synod AV library - video #155
47. Freudenberg, Ben, with Rick Lawrence. The Family Friendly Church. Loveland,CO: Group Publishing, 1998.
Paperback. 174 pages.
Freudenberg's own journey and Search Institute findings convinced him that parents are the primary Christian educators and that the family is the God-ordained institution for faith building and for passing on the faith. He defines a family friendly church as one whose structure is a home-centered, church-supported model for nurturing faith. He explains the vision and principles of this ministry and gives strategies for readers to use to understand this paradigm shift and to develop the concepts leading to this family ministry process.
This book is an "easy read". "Rest stops" for reflection, "Quiet Detours" for reconnecting with God, and "Construction Zones" for actual work help focus the author's thesis. Thirteen appendices, giving explicit instructions, have permission to copy for local church use.
Church leaders and others interested in this model of family ministry will find that this book excites and motivates. The description of this "family friendly" church and how to be one helps the reader to develop his/her own vision.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
ISBN: 0-7644-2048-8
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $26.99 Cdn
(This book is one of a Leadership/Pastoral Helps Series)
48. Freudenberg, Ben F., Tim Kurth, Michael W. Sciarra, Liz Shockey, Kathy Sizer, and Bob Buller. Family-Friendly Ideas Your Church Can Do. Loveland CO: Group Publishing, 1998.
Paperback. 98 pages.
This resource provides tools to minister to families and not just "as individuals who happen to drive to church together." The book is divided into five themes: Learning Activities, Worship Experiences, Service Projects, Enrichment Activities, and Fun Times.
There are fifty activities to involve families in events in which family members learn, worship, and laugh together. For each event, there is a "Family Focus" (goal), list of supplies needed, and explicit instructions for carrying out the event. A "Taking it Home" section at the end of each event is a strength as it gives ideas for families to use to reinforce the learning with discussion as well as further activities. Many of the activities have a sidebar "Family Friendly Advice" with ideas to extend, change, or consider other implications for the event.
This is a useful book for leaders and helpers to follow or adapt for successful events appropriate for families - a good way to support and extend what happens at home.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
ISBN: 0-7644-2035-6
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $23.99 Cdn
49 (a). Glanzer, Brenda, and Mariann Martin. Jubilee Celebrations #3. Elgin, Illinois: Brethren Press, 1996.
Paperback. 98 pages.
49 (b). Harnish, Dorothy. Jubilee Celebrations #1. Elgin, Illinois: Brethren Press, 1996.
Paperback. 94 pages.
49 (c). Landers, Bertha. Jubilee Celebrations #2. Elgin, Illinois: Brethren Press, 1996.
Paperback. 106 pages.
This series of three Jubilee Celebrations books, by authors from the Mennonite tradition, has many suggestions for children and adults to worship and learn together. Each of the three books contains eight celebrations. A celebration is an intergenerational event intended for the whole congregation. A time of one and a half to two hours is suggested for each event. Everything needed for leaders to plan and carry out the events is supplied.
Each celebration has variety - - using drama, stories, praise, study, music, and activities. A sample bulletin and a sermon/homily topic are included. Resources are listed and instructions are clear. Permission is given to reproduce prayers, litanies, and music in the bulletins for local use, with appropriate acknowledgement.
This series provides a wealth of ideas which can be adapted or used as is. The three books contain the following celebrations:
Jubilee Celebrations #1: 1) the Book, 2) Thanksgiving, 3) the Nativity, 4) Lent, 5) Pentecost,
and three topical celebrations about i) the family, ii) sabbath, and iii) peace.
Jubilee Celebrations #2:
1) I Love to Tell the Story - celebrating Passing on the Faith
2) Yet Will I Rejoice and Give Thanks - celebrating Thanksgiving
3) We Await the Christ Who Liberates - celebrating Advent
4) On the Road to Emmaus - celebrating Easter
5) Coming Together, Going Out - celebrating Pentecost
6) The Household of Faith - celebrating the Family of God
7) Christ Has Broken Down the Dividing Walls - celebrating cultures
8) A Celebration of the Early Church - celebrating our Christian heritage
Jubilee Celebrations #3:
1) Side-by-Side - celebrating a new Church School year
2) Festival of Booths - celebrating Thanksgiving
3) How Fantastic - celebrating Epiphany
4) The Gift of Freedom - celebrating Seder
5) Come, Holy Spirit - celebrating Pentecost
6) The Many Ways of Faith - celebrating unity and variety in faith
7) Working in the Garden - celebrating creation
8) Walking in the Light - celebrating missions
Rating: 4½ fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< < Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Jubilee Celebrations #1 ISBN: 0-87178-477-7 approx. $29.95 Cdn
Jubilee Celebrations #2 ISBN: 0-87178-475-0 approx. $29.95 Cdn
Jubilee Celebrations #3 ISBN: 0-87178-476-9 approx. $29.95 Cdn
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply
50. Goodrich, Kristine, and Josetta Walsh. Faith-Full Families. Menlo Park, CA: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1998.
Paperback. 63 pages. (eight complete sessions)
This resource is designed for use by congregations to help families to create their identity as God's children and as a group of believers. There are eight sessions - - one a month from October to May. Each session is planned for leaders, with all activities described in full. Each session begins with a meal and then moves on to family activities. Rituals and traditions are learned and taken home to be used in family gatherings. The suggested time for a session is two hours and the sessions work best if the number of participants is 36 or less. The themes for the sessions are the seasons of nature and the seasons of the church year.
Congregations may want to adapt some of the activities if it is not possible to limit the number of participants to 36. Also, some themes may not be appropriate for all congregations. The expressed goals are fulfilled in the events and this is a resource that is well worth looking at for young families in your congregation.
Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $48.25 Cdn
51. Griner, Lyle. Scripture Talk. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1997.
Paperback. Spiral bound, flip-chart style. Pocket size. Reads from front or back.
73 pages Old Testament. 73 pages New Testament.
Each page features a short Scripture passage followed by three questions to encourage conversations about faith. Both Old and New Testament are quoted, with many familiar and favourite passages. The questions focus on personal reactions to the quotations - - memories, thoughts, or opinions.
This resource is convenient to use. An index lists the Scripture passages used. The small flip-chart format makes it accessible, useful, and portable. The author lists twelve uses including family devotions, meeting ice-breakers, travelling conversations, and group discussion starters.
I do have some concerns about this booklet: the questions do not always reflect the main focus of the Scripture passage taken in its context; the free-association style of questioning will lead in many directions, some far from the original intent of the question; and all the questions emphasize the self, rather than God's actions in one's life. Overall, however, this is a useable and acceptable tool for encouraging faith talk.
Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Geraldine Schroeder
ISBN: 1-889407-20-8
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $19.25 Cdn
52. Hardel, Dick, and Deb Stehlin. Faith Talk with Children. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1998.
Set of 96 cards, 24 cards in each of four categories: Memories, Feelings and Actions, Wonder, and Growing Together. Cards are in a durable red canvas carrying case.
Every card contains a question which will generate discussion. The case contains a spinner to make a game of selecting the category (identified by different colours). These cards are designed to be used by parents or other adults with children ages 3 - 10. They can be used wherever families gather - homes, intergenerational events, etc. They are great starters for events - everyone does "faith talk". The difficulty is to get the talking stopped! Adults and children can choose a card and be at ease. This is sharing our faith.
This is an excellent resource for congregations wanting to assist families. Some are finding that use in confirmation class helps children to get to know one another and develop relationships.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $32.25 Cdn
53. Hovel, Lee. The Child In Our Hands Milestones: Worship Celebrations. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1999.
Looseleaf binder. 112 pages.
This manual contains worship Milestone events for ten Milestones. There is a worship event for each of the Milestones outlined in The Child In Our Hands Leadership Manual (see Item 43 of Tackle Box III). The age range is from 0-1 years to Grades 9-12. These events celebrate these Milestones in the congregational worship setting. By modeling the importance of nurturing faith in a worship experience, the home is empowered for its ministry of passing on the faith to children. The congregation is involved in supporting parents as well as each child's faith journey. There are suggested schedules for the church year and the calendar year. Some suggestions for celebration planning are included. Worship that will celebrate each Milestone is clearly outlined. There are some excellent suggestions for taking the celebrations home. Parents can continue the celebration through Four Keys ideas.
This resource is intended for the clergy and worship planning teams of congregations who are convinced that real ministry happens in the home and who want to work as partners with the home. The strength of this manual is that much help is given to assist congregational leaders to begin to plan and carry out meaningful worship for this work involving the total congregation to be partners in faith with the home.
Permission to copy is granted for educational and planning purposes only to congregations that have purchased the manual. This manual is the companion piece to the manual The Child In Our Hands Milestones: Intergenerational Enrichment by the same publishers (see Item 59 of Tackle Box III for review).
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $48.25 Cdn
54. It Takes More Than Love. Minnesota: Seraphim Communications, 1995.
Package consists of:
Two videos - one with four 20-minute segments and one overview video, "Building Blocks", (approx. 20-25 minutes)
Guidebook. 40 pages. Written by Dick Hardel and Roland Martinson.
Paperback book. What Kids Need to Succeed. 241 pages. Written by Peter Benson, Judy Galbraith, and Pamela Espeland (Search Institute, 1994).
This material is meant for parents and children. It shares ways that families can learn and grow together and it helps to nurture faith and strengthen family. The video is "real"; it contains reflections of professionals, parents, youth, and children. The guidebook, with reproducible worksheets, is meant for "family groups". It reflects on parents' childhood experiences and asks questions such as: What did our parents do that we would like to keep? What would we like to do differently?
On a personal note, this resource material was used for a presentation at Grace, Hamilton, and was well-received. Children were present for the entire session (one hour). I feel that a "growth experience" based on assets would enhance this course. (Editor's Note: for information on "assets", see the Search Institute materials which are also reviewed here in Tackle Box III as Items 57 and 58).
In using this material, some might find it easier to have childcare for younger children, perhaps with an opening and closing for the entire family. Some sessions from Faith & Skills for Parenting (Strommen, 1998; reviewed as Item 60 in Tackle Box III) would work well with this video as introduction.
Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Dianne Yungblut
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $161.95
Available for loan through the Synod AV library - video #930
55. Larson, Roland S., and Doris E. Larson. Values & Faith: Activities for Family and Church Groups. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1998.
Paperback. 288 pages.
This book introduces the reader to eight basic exercises for group sharing and then uses these exercises to explore value and faith issues related to the topics Family, Self, and Others. The book requires a developed trust relationship and active participation by all participants, including the leader.
This book has an overwhelming amount of information. It is a good reference guide for workshop developers. The exercises on Ranking, Voting, and Either/Or could be introduced at a workshop, perhaps with definite life situations in mind to show how these could be used to meet a need. The Ideas/Questions are thought-provoking and could be excellent workshop/discussion starters. One way to use the information in this book might be to present a workshop or seminar around one chapter. The book does not give any clear suggestions for "Resources from the Bible", but it does include some reproducible handouts for workshop use.
Rating: 3 fishes <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Dianne Yungblut
ISBN: 1-889407-24-0
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $24.00 Cdn
56. Osterman, Mary Jo. Claiming the Promise. Chicago: Reconciling Congregation Program, 1997.
Two paperback booklets. Leader's Guide, 60 pages
Study Book, 48 pages
This package is sub-titled "An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study Resource on Homosexuality". It was written to explore the troubling dilemma that churches face today in deciding whether to "unconditionally welcome, or refuse to welcome, lesbian women and gay men into the full life and ministry of the church." This resource offers an invitation to study the issues involved in this dilemma "not as an academic exercise, but as a process of Christian dialogue and spiritual discernment that literally can save lives." It brings together a large amount of information about biblical references to homosexuality and it encourages study participants to explore these references in the context of the Gospel and God's promise, which we claim as Christians, that we are all God's children.
This Bible study consists of seven two-hour sessions and an initial orientation session of 1½ hours. The Leader's Guide provides detailed lesson plans for each two-hour session, including suggestions for extra or alternative activities. There are also outlines for a one-hour teaching plan and two 45-minute plans for each of the sessions. Some suggestions for adapting the material for youth groups are included, as well as suggestions for a retreat or workshop format. Although the material is structured for group study, it is also suitable for individual study. (Use of both the Study Book and the Leader's Guide is recommended for individual study.)
Claiming the Promise is a significant resource on homosexuality. A lot of information is provided and the sessions are carefully structured. The Leader's Guide includes an extensive list of other resource books and reference materials. The study provides a framework for discussion among people with different views on this difficult issue and people are encouraged to acknowledge and accept differences. Each session includes a Talking Circle activity designed to make each person feel included and heard in a respectful way. While this Bible study presents several points of view, it is clear about its own point of view as it seeks to develop an understanding of biblical references to homosexuality that claims God's promise for all Christian believers, regardless of their sexual orientation.
One difficulty with this Bible study is that it does indeed require a lot of "study". It is not easy reading or easy studying. Much of the information is drawn from scholarly research on the Bible and the style and tone of both the Leader's Guide and the Study Book often tend to be somewhat scholarly and academic. There are frequent footnotes and references to other study materials. The Leader's Guide recommends a "Class Library" that includes a basic set of five reference books, several "key" resource books, and a variety of "optional" books, commentaries, and references. This Bible study is designed "to help participants do some actual biblical research and study." While it is possible to leave out this research component when doing the study, this does make the Leader's Guide and Study Book harder to read and use.
Claiming the Promise is a comprehensive Bible study on a difficult subject. Individuals and groups who have the interest and make the commitment of time and effort to engage in this study will find it helpful and rewarding.
Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Maaike Froelich
Available from: Reconciling Congregation Program
3801 N. Keeler Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: (773) 736-5526 Fax: (773) 736-5475
Leader's Guide approx. $9.95 US
Study Book approx. $5.95 US
57. Roehlkepartain, Eugene C. Building Assets in Congregations. Minneapolis: Search Institute, 1998.
Paperback. 204 pages.
This book provides a wealth of practical information for congregations wanting to explore and work at "asset building" for Youth and Family Ministry. It provides a good explanation of the concept of "assets" and all the help you would ever need in moving forward one step at a time to build such assets in your congregation. It includes reproducible bulletin inserts, tip sheets, and summary pages.
This book is highly recommended for pastors, youth leaders, and family ministry leaders.
It is readable, exciting, and inspiring. Well worth the price!
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Dianne Yungblut
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $30.50 Cdn
58. Roehlkepartain, Jolene L. Building Assets Together: 135 Group Activities for Helping Youth Succeed. Minneapolis: Search Institute, 1997.
Paperback. 127 pages.
Research has named "40 developmental assets" as important for helping young people grow up healthy, principled, and caring. This book explains what the assets are and divides them into external and internal categories. The 135 activities are grouped under those that help "understand the asset framework" and those that build "external" and "internal" assets.
The target audience for this book is anyone who works with youth from 6th to 12th grade. The activities can be used at youth group meetings or other times when youth of this age are gathered, in congregations, families, or communities. The instructions are clear, concise, and easily understood. Permission to copy certain sheets is stated clearly on those sheets. There are some cautions about sensitive issues that should be observed. Some activities may need to be adapted to fit ages and/or maturity of your group. The use of this book will give a good understanding of assets and their "power" to both youth and adults working with them.
Rating: 4½ fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< < Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $35.50 Cdn
59. Stalheim, Marilyn, and Alice Stolper Peppler. The Child In Our Hands Milestones: Intergenerational Enrichment. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1999.
Looseleaf binder. 165 pages.
This resource identifies ten Milestones (Faith Passage moments) as typical occasions for most congregations and families. Intergenerational events can provide "nurturing, learning opportunities and celebrations which can help children and their families grow in grace and love." These ten milestones occur from birth to age eighteen. The authors have written an intergenerational event for each of the ten named milestones, ready for use by leaders. Sample schedules of events are provided as relating to the church year or the calendar year. Everything to run an event, from promotion to follow-up, is included. Songs, appropriate for age group and content of event, have been written to the music of familiar tunes. Completing the Church/Home partnership, the "Taking the Celebration Home" included with each event outlines some appropriate "Four Key" activities for home use.
Permission to copy the song lyrics and all print resources needed for the events (Appendix A & B) is included with the purchase of the resource. This resource is intended for use in conjunction with The Child In Our Hands Milestones: Worship Celebrations (see Item 53 of Tackle Box III for review).
"Intergenerational Enrichment" is an excellent resource for congregations using the Child In Our Hands model of family ministry.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $63.95 Cdn
60. Strommen, Irene. Faith & Skills for Parenting. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1998.
Binder. 190 pages. 13 sessions, one to two hours each.
This is an excellent resource for parents and all adults. This is an interactive, dynamic course which includes Skills for Family Conversation, Dealing with Anger, and Faith Nurture. Sessions begin with a "Holy Story" whenever pertinent. A feature of this resource is that it teaches and encourages journaling.
The material includes excellent leader helps (well organized, specific, complete, and leader friendly). There are excellent reproducible handouts and the bibliography is also excellent.
This course is very flexible. All units could be used individually, for weekly classes, or in a retreat format.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Dianne Yungblut
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $63.95 Cdn
61. Strommen, Merton, and Charles Bruning. Faith Talk. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1995.
Set of 192 "share" cards, 48 cards in each of four categories: Memories, Etchings, Values, and Actions. Cards are in a durable blue canvas carrying case.
Each card asks a question that, when answered, shares your story - the talk of your faith journey. The target audience for this resource is young people and parents or other adults. The cards can be used at any time; some suggested family times are car time, sick time, etc. Adults who find their story very difficult to share will find that these cards free up discussion. Discussions across the generations happen readily. Church councils have used these cards as a part of devotions. The cards work well when used for short periods of time, to keep the level of sharing interest high. An excellent resource for congregations and families.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $48.25 Cdn
62. Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College. TalkPoints. Minneapolis: TalkTrips, Inc., 1998.
Sets of TalkPoint booklets. Each booklet is 3 pages and has a specific topic.
Some sets have multiple copies of one booklet; some have single copies of a number of different booklets. Each set relates to a specific theme.
This is a conversational tool that encourages dialogue between two people. These participants sit opposite each other at a table with the discussion booklet between them. On each page of the leaflet, discussion questions are listed twice so that each participant has full view of the questions and both have a place to write their answers. After the participants have written answers to all the questions on the page, the facilitator encourages the participants to discuss their answers. There are three pages of short questions in each booklet.
Theme: Birth/Adoption/Baptism
One set. Single copies of 8 different booklets approx. $16.00 Cdn
Participants: Parents; Parent/Child
Sample questions:
I chose Baptism for you because...
A wish for your future that I'd like to give you is that in the coming years you will grow to be a person who...
Theme: Confirmation
Three sets.
Confirmation Journey. Single copies of 7 different booklets approx. $15.75 Cdn
Confirmation Youth Mentor. Ten copies of one booklet approx. $20.00 Cdn
Like a Tree Planted. Ten copies of one booklet approx. $20.00 Cdn
Participants: Confirmand/Parent; Confirmand/Mentor
Sample questions:
My personal belief about the church is...
When I die...
My prayer is "Dear God, help me to...
Theme: Marriage
Two sets.
Marriage Enrichment. Single copies of 11 different booklets approx. $22.25 Cdn
Pre-Marriage. Single copies of 12 different booklets approx. $24.00 Cdn
Participants: Marriage couple
Sample questions:
What I admire about you...
My belief about marriage is...
I struggle with...
Theme: Pre-Adolescents/Adolescents
Two sets.
Pre-Adolescents. Single copies of 8 booklets approx. $16.00 Cdn
Adolescent Trip. Single copies of 11 booklets approx. $22.00 Cdn
Participants: Youth/Parent/Mentor
Topics include: Self-Esteem, Prayer, Growing Faith, Handling Money, Managing Time
Theme: Milestone Trip
One set. Single copies of 8 different booklets approx. $16.00 Cdn
Participants: Parents
Topics include: Child's Birthday, First Day of School, First Bible, Driver's License
These booklets can be used as conversation starters for Baptismal Preparation; Confirmation/ Mentoring; Youth Meetings; Parenting Classes; Marriage Preparation. This discussion tool encourages the growth of friendship and understanding between two people. By writing answers, people are encouraged to "think about" or "work through" what they believe. This is a good opportunity for faith sharing.
This conversational tool does have some potential weaknesses. Some people will "shy away" from participating. The facilitator's role is demanding, requiring the skills to encourage conversation and also the awareness that conflicting opinions may arise that need to be "worked through". The participants need to be "honest" with their answer. In this honesty, the facilitator may hear "misguided" theology. Yet, the material is for conversation, not direct teaching. The wise facilitator would be able to create a "teachable moment" around "...so what does this mean (for God, faith, lifestyle)?"
Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Vivian Roth
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply (prices listed above)
*Note: These sets of TalkPoint booklets are not available for loan from the Synod Office. (They are "consumable" items, i.e., meant to be written on when used.)
63. This Is My Story. Chicago: Lutherans Concerned/North America, 1996.
Set of two videos: Individual version, 22½ minutes
Congregational version, 22 minutes
Study guide. 2 pages
As noted in the study guide, the purpose of these videos is "to give you insights into what it is like to grow up gay and Lutheran." In the videos, a number of gay and lesbian Christians tell their stories. The details of the story are different for each person, but some recurring themes are evident in these stories: the feelings, often at an early age, of being different; an awareness that these feelings were somehow bad and needed to be kept hidden; the realization during adolescence or early adulthood that they were lesbian or gay; the experience of conflict between their sexual orientation and everything they had learned in church; the sense of alienation; the struggles to "put down" their feelings and the efforts and prayers to be changed and to be made "normal"; and eventually the recognition that "God made me this way" and "God loves me the way I am."
The two versions of the video are very similar; the same stories are told in both versions. Both versions include a segment with Dr. Herbert Chilstrom, a retired Bishop of the ELCA.
The two versions differ in three places: (1) The individual version includes an opening message on the screen to those who may be struggling with their own sexual orientation and their faith that they are not alone. (2) The story segment with Dr. Mel White, a gay pastor and author, has some differences. (3) The concluding segments are directed more specifically to either an individual viewer or to a congregational or group audience. The study guide for the congregational version has ten questions to be used in small group discussion.
This set of two videos is an excellent resource for church members and congregations concerned about ministry to and with their lesbian and gay sisters and brothers. I would especially encourage pastors and everyone working with youth to view these videos and hear the stories about "what it is like to grow up gay and Lutheran." (I would suggest you watch the individual version first and, if you don't have the time or inclination to hear each story a second time, you can fast-forward to the parts that are different in the congregational version - see above.)
These videos can be used in many ways, e.g., for individual viewing and reflection; for sharing with gay or lesbian youth or adults, or their families; or for youth or adult study groups. They would also be useful to introduce or to complement the "Caring Conversation" model developed by the ELCIC to help congregations explore ways to be more welcoming to lesbian women and gay men. Even if you do not follow through with a "Caring Conversation" process, the congregational version of This Is My Story and its short study guide would be a good beginning.
Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Maaike Froelich
Available from: Lutherans Concerned
409 Roland Hills Dr.
Mogadore, Ohio 44260
Individual version: $12.00 US plus 20% Shipping & Handling
Congregational version $12.00 US plus 20% Shipping & Handling
(Check payable to Lutherans Concerned)
Available for loan through the Synod AV library - Video #21
