Tackle Box IV

Reviews of Resources for Learning and Faith-Sharing
January 2002

Prepared by the Learning Congregational Life Working Group
Eastern Synod, ELCIC

Reviews are included for all the resource items listed below.
All of the items are available for loan from the Synod Office.

64. Anderson, David W., 2000. Video. Splashed With Promise: Living the Language of Faith.

65. Angels in the Making: Nurturing our children's spirituality, 1998. Video. Trinity Television.

66. Bak, Mindy, 1999. Together in Faith.

67. DeVries, Mark, 1994. Family-based Youth Ministry.

68. Erlander, Daniel, 1999. A Place for You: My Holy Communion Book.

69. Erlander, Daniel, 1981. Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life.

70. Erlander, Daniel, 1996. Let the Children Come: A Baptism Manual for Parents and Sponsors.

71. Erlander, Daniel, 1992. Manna and Mercy.

72. Hanusa-Schuff, Mary, 1991. My Church Family.

73. Hardel, Dick, and Jennifer Mull, 1994. It's For L.I.F.E!.

74. Holmen, Mark, and Steve Gartland, (Undated). Lenten Faith Mentoring.

64. Anderson, David W. Splashed With Promise: Living the Language of Faith. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 2000.

Video. 25 minutes.
Study guide. Double-sided tri-fold brochure.

This is the second in a series of three videotapes equipping adults to nurture faith in children. Dr. Anderson shares practical ways to live out the baptismal promises in the home. He discusses the Four Keys of nurturing faith: (1)Caring Conversation, (2)Devotional Life, (3)Service, and (4)Rituals and Traditions. Parents and other caregivers of children tell how they have used the keys and how the sharing of their faith happens with their children.

The target audience for this video would be parents, grandparents, small groups of friends who have children, or any adult forum.

This video illustrates the Four Keys well and viewers have a better understanding of ways to implement them. The study guide has excellent questions and ideas for use.

Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Pat Rode

Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $48.25 Cdn

Available for loan through the Synod AV library - Video # 850

NOTE: An hour-and-a-half workshop design, "Splashed with Promise", written by Vivian Roth and Dianne Yungblut, uses this video. The workshop works through the video with worship and activities to provide further understanding of the Four Keys. The workshop is available from the Conference Learning Resource Persons or from Pat Rode or Dianne Yungblut.

65. Angels in the Making: Nurturing our children's spirituality. Trinity Television, 1998.

Video. Two parts, approximately 25 minutes each. Each part contains 3 segments.
Study guide.

ANGELS IN THE MAKING is a program specifically about nurturing the innate spirituality in our children. You will see some inspiring examples of parents and community members traveling with their children on a mutual journey of discovery.

A study guide is included. Beware – the questions challenge you not just to talk about what you saw on the video, but also to discuss how it relates to your life. They can be very challenging.
The video targets parents, grandparents, educators, youth group leaders, and any others interested in nurturing the spirituality of children. It may also be used by single adults who wish to revitalize their own spirituality by revisiting the ground where their faith first blossomed.

Strengths: These are real people of faith, from various spiritual backgrounds, speaking about how they choose to share their spirituality and what they learn in the process – many of them can easily be identified with.

Weaknesses: All the segments are definitely American; however, there are similar situations in Canada.

Usefulness: This video would be great for discussion in adult forums, or as part of a Christian Parenting group.

Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Janet Waito

Available for loan through the Synod AV library - video # 851

66. Bak, Mindy. Together in Faith. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1999.

Binder. 8 units of 2 or 3 sessions each.

This is a resource for Sunday School/Family Ministry. Sessions are designed for parents and child (age 3 to grade 5) to study together two or three times per year. Sessions include: prayer, the Keys, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, and Martin Luther. Each class participates as leader during worship at the end of each unit.

This resource has relevant, age-appropriate topics and good communication samples. The parent discussion guide questions are well thought out. The ten minutes set aside for separate parent and child sessions is sometimes weak.

This is an excellent resource for helping parents see their role as "first and continuing" faith nurturers.

There are two copies of the leader's guide for each session. Handouts and letters are reproducible.

Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Dianne Yungblut

Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $119.95 Cdn

67. DeVries, Mark. Family-based Youth Ministry. Downers Grove, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 1994.

Soft-covered resource text. 202 pages.

The author believes that the "goal" of youth ministry is to lead teens to mature Christian adulthood. Based on this thesis, family-based youth ministry is more an "attitude" than a programming strategy. The research seems to show that past and present successful youth ministries have not necessarily produced mature Christian adults. The norm has been to "entertain" rather than to encourage growth into spiritual maturity.

The primary task of a family-based youth ministry is to "pass the baton of faith formation to the extended family of the church." The book gives an excellent theological foundation for family-based youth ministry.

The target groups for this book are congregational councils or boards, vision committees, mutual ministry teams, pastors, youth leaders, and parents.

Strengths: Chapter 12 gives 117 ideas for starting a family-based ministry. Each chapter concludes with a "wild hair" idea for those churches willing and able to step radically away from what is traditionally expected in youth ministry. This book is affirming for those "small" congregations who already do many of the ideas listed. It also gives excellent reasoning for the paradigm shift to involving and expecting parents to be the main doers of this ministry.

Weaknesses: The book is written from an ecumenical perspective (good in itself), but I think that some of the examples in Chapter 8 are based on a different theology than the doctrine of grace. Another concern may be whether the statistics from 1994 still apply today. Maybe the biggest challenge, that the book does not address, is convincing / expecting / receiving help from the parents, extended family, and the members of the congregation. These support groups do not necessarily know what is now expected of them and they have no role models in their past to show them what membership and baptism have obligated them to do. Traditionally, youth ministry was seen as "drop off at the church" or "send kids over" and the youth leaders would care for, entertain, babysit, and stimulate the youth. The parents provided transportation and snacks. Do the grassroots (parents, extended family, and the congregation) really want to be involved in practical ways? The book assumes "yes" they do because that is what a church's mission is, but research and observation indicate "no".

Usefulness: This book presents good foundational information and theological reasons for involving parents in youth ministry. It provides excellent background information for those starting a youth ministry program and food for thought for those presently in youth ministry.

Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Vivian Roth

Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $22.25 Cdn

68. Erlander, Daniel. A Place for You: My Holy Communion Book. Freeland, WA, 1999.

Paperback booklet. 18 pages plus information inside the covers. Black and white drawings.

The book is aimed at children to read and colour, or parents to read and discuss with their children, or for teachers to use with classes studying Holy Communion. Permission is granted to photocopy the pages for one time nonprofit use. I find the book would be best read in sections, not in one sitting which would be too overwhelming. The black and white hand-drawn pictures are a bit plain unless children are encouraged to colour them. There are some puzzles, including a "Where's Waldo?" type where you can spot "Sarah" on each page. The theme of the book, "A Place for You", shows the reader where there is a place for themselves in each of the stories, sometimes an empty chair at the table, or a spot beside Jesus as he speaks to the children. As a weekly lesson (perhaps for younger children taking First Communion classes), this book would be helpful.

Rating: 3½ fishes <>< <>< <>< < Reviewed by: Judy Lindeman

Augsburg Fortress code number: 6-0001-2012-5
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $5.25 Cdn

69. Erlander, Daniel. Baptized We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life. Chelan, WA: Holden Village, 1981.

Paperback booklet. 28 pages plus information inside the covers. Black and white drawings.

When reading the preface, this book appears to be aimed at young people, most likely confirmation age and up, but it can also be used by adults in a bible study setting to better understand what Lutheranism is all about. The book covers Communion, the Living Word, the Lutheran Liturgy, Martin Luther, and a detailed look at the Augsburg Confession. The book is divided into chapters which could be used as separate confirmation classes or bible studies. As a whole, the book contains too much information to be studied closely all in one sitting. Young people may also find the book too overwhelming if read independently. I feel it would work best in a group or class setting where discussions can occur and a teacher/pastor can answer additional questions.
The layout of each page (handwritten text rather than type, with black and white drawings interspersed) makes reading a little tricky, especially in the footnotes where the text is smaller. However, the size of the text is varied throughout to make certain phrases stand out and to give the eye some variety.

The information given in this book is very informative and helpful, and would be useful in a confirmation class as students begin to search for answers on what it means to be a Lutheran.

Rating: 3 fishes <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Judy Lindeman

Augsburg Fortress code number: 6-0000-272-4
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $5.95 Cdn

70. Erlander, Daniel. Let the Children Come: A Baptism Manual for Parents and Sponsors. 1996.

Paperback booklet. 35 pages.

This book provides a panoramic viewpoint of Christian Baptism, beginning with the New Testament understanding of Baptism and concluding with suggestions to help parents, sponsors, and others to raise the baptized in the covenant of their baptism. It emphasizes infant or young child baptism as well as the meaning of baptism in a Lutheran context.

This book is particularly helpful for parents and sponsors of the baptized. It would also be a useful resource for any individual or group, such as a Confirmation Class, a Sunday School Class, or Bible Study Group, that is studying baptism.

Let the Children Come: A Baptism Manual for Parents and Sponsors provides an easy-to-understand and precise picture of baptism that is biblically, theologically, and historically sound. Its strengths lie in its simple, direct language and its catchy illustrations. In spite of the fact that the reader may be overwhelmed by the amount of information on each page, I feel that this is an extremely useful book for use in parish ministry.

Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Beth Conroy

Augsburg Fortress code number: 6-0000-5942-6
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $5.25 Cdn

71. Erlander, Daniel. Manna and Mercy. Mercer Island, WA: The Order of Saints Martin and Teresa, 1992.

Paperback. 100 pages.

Erlander's subtitle for this book is "A Brief History of God's Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe". He tells the story of the bible with humour, cartoons, and most of all his great imagination. The story is told as it is found in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Old Testament. Erlander states that he "loves to tell the story" and has written this book because of his great concern for biblical illiteracy.

This book could be used by Adult Bible Study groups and Senior Confirmation or youth groups. Permission is given to reproduce individual pages for one-time use. Detailed endnotes about each page are presented by the author.

This book is highly recommended; it presents "the Story" in a clear, easy-to-read way.

Rating: 5 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Irene Fancy

Augsburg Fortress code number: 6-0000-2074-0
Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $12.75 Cdn

72. Hanusa-Schuff, Mary. My Church Family. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1991.

Paperback booklet. 48 pages.

This book fulfills its stated purpose, "to introduce and explain many aspects of the Lutheran church to your child," very well. It is designed for reading by the adult and discussion with the child. I think it would be best used in a one-on-one situation, probably best with parent and child. I like the use of stickers to keep the child involved; however, is there a reason that the sticker sheets are upside down?

A strength of the book would be its illustrations and highly interactive format. A weakness would be that the adult really needs to read page 2 and the "for adults" sections before using each "story" with children. In general, the book should be very useful, especially for children and families who are new to church (or to the Lutheran church).

Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Viola Weil

Augsburg Fortress code number: 15-2020 approx. $9.75 Cdn

(This book is one of the Lutheran Faith and Life Series. Wilson, Barbara S., and Eileen K. Zahn, eds.)

73. Hardel, Dick, and Jennifer Mull. It's For L.I.F.E!. Minneapolis: Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College, 1994.

Binder (3-hole punched paper). 192 pages.

L.I.F.E! stands for "Lifestyle Improvement For Excellence." This resource begins by taking you through a pilot program (Project LIFE) initiated by the Nebraska Synod (ELCA) based on a "wellness" ministry. It then leads a committee, step by step, through implementing a wellness ministry in a congregation. Subjects include choosing team members and their responsibilities, getting the pastor aboard, sermon helps, retreat ideas, church and community "check-ups", congregation education, assessments, strategy, planning, and evaluation.

Because of the strong emphasis on evaluating the needs of the congregation before implementation of events, the wellness ministry serves as a resource for the entire congregation. It helps determine the needs, concerns, and interests of the church and community so that the congregational programming can meet those needs. The wellness ministry does not necessarily organize all events, but serves as a resource and catalyst for other committees.

Wellness is not limited to physical well-being, but includes emotional, environmental, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, social, and physical well-being. The resource also makes a strong point that we are not "well" in isolation, but need to share the vision of wellness with the community outside the church walls.

Target audience: Church Councils, Health Committees, Social Ministry, Outreach, Parish Life, groups doing visioning for their congregations.

Potential uses: Although intended to be used in its entirety, sections can be adapted for retreats, program ideas for existing committees, intergenerational events, or Sunday School lessons.

The strengths of the program lie in its strong evaluative nature, the prepared resources included (available for duplication), and anticipation of roadblocks along the way. The program in its entirety seems better suited to a large congregation. Smaller congregations may feel intimidated by the scope of the program. This resource does indicate how it can be used between congregations. This resource is useful for a congregation looking for ways to meet the needs of its members and the community at large.

Rating: 4 fishes <>< <>< <>< <>< Reviewed by: Kathryn Smith

Available from: Sperling's Church Supply approx. $64.00 Cdn

74. Holmen, Mark, and Steve Gartland. Lenten Faith Mentoring. (Undated).

Binder. 61 pages, divided into six sections.

Diskette, in either IBM PC or Macintosh format.

Holmen and Gartland have developed this program to build significant relationships between adult and youth members in a congregation. The authors give all the details of the program that uses Lenten worship services with discussion guides for mentoring pairs to follow. The "sermon" of each worship service is a character portrayal of a biblical character.

The strength of this resource is that the "how to" directions for setting up this program are given, including time line and cautions. Letters, bulletin inserts, commissioning service, and complete instructions for planning and staging "Mentor Wrap", a concluding event for the Lenten Faith Mentoring program, are included. This manual contains only two of the four character portrayals needed. Another two character portrayals should be included, so that the program would be complete (at this price!). An additional resource, Character Portrayals for Lent, by Pastor Steve Dornbusch, has over thirty character portrayals and is available separately.

Lenten Faith Mentoring includes a diskette, in either PC or Macintosh format, but it cannot be accessed without Pagemaker software.

This program would give excitement to a confirmation program of any congregation. Youth would have developed relationships with other adults besides their parents — and can then turn to them for advice and support. That's a real plus.

Rating: 3½ fishes <>< <>< <>< < Reviewed by: Pat Rode

Available from: Sperling's Church Supply

Lenten Faith Mentoring (Manual and diskette) approx. $79.95 Cdn
Please specify PC or Macintosh format when ordering

Character Portrayals for Lent approx. $39.95 Cdn