CURRICULUM - ELECTIVES - TOPICAL

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BK P07 023C1
AFTER CHRISTENDOM?
Hauerwas, Stanley
In this sequel to "Resident Aliens," Hauerwas continues to focus on the congregation as a community that is set apart from the culture to bear witness to the Resurrection of Christ. 

BK P07 001C1
AND GOD CREATED LAUGHTER
Hyers, Conrad
This highly readable, preachable, and teachable work gives ministers, students, and lay readers a valuable tool for recovering the spirit and offers a chance to share in the celebration of life and the divine comedy of faith, hope, and love. 

BK P07 035C1 
AT TABLE WITH JESUS
Gooch, John
This study includes eight sessions on Practicing Hospitality, Eating with Sinners, Fasting, Miracle Meals, Bread of Life, Banquet Parables, The Last Supper, and Meals of Revelation and Reconciliation. Each session is self-contained and includes study helps and discussion questions for reflection to assist the group leader and individual student.

BK P07 017C1
BUILDING COMMUNITY AMONG STRANGERS
Wright, N. T.
The purpose of this churchwide study is to invite the whole church to engage in how to build community among strangers. The hope is to develop a policy to strengthen the church's capacity to build human community in the midst of growing diversity in American society. Designed to be used in five sessions. 

BK P07 013C1
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT-LEADER'S GUIDE
Bennett, Judith F.
This 5-session study comes at a time when there is considerable national debate and commentary on the administration of the death penalty. This study combines Bible study with compelling stories from persons who have been directly affected by capital crimes to help adults form and/or reform their thinking on capital punishment. It looks at various denominational views and nations' policies related to the issue, as well as providing several suggested plans for actions.  Chapters include: "What is the death penalty?" "What does the Bible say?" "What do we learn from the history of Christianity?" "What guidance do our theological and ethical traditions provide?" and "The Human Burden of the Death Penalty."

VT P07 014C1
CHRISTIANITY AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY
Campolo, Tony
What is happening to Christians? Are we viewing life differently? What does it mean to live and be believers and people of the faith? Campolo says that the next century will be the "springtime of Christianity," moving into our best and brightest days. This 6-part series offers reflections on where we have been and what may lie ahead. 

BK P07 002C1
COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES
Westfall, John F.
Tells in contemporary terms what it is like to be a somewhat non-conformist Christian. God loves the people who color outside the lines as much as He loves the outwardly pietistic. 

VT P07 008C1
CREATION OR EVOLUTION?
Can the Bible's account of creation be reconciled with modern scientific fact? How did so many life-forms come into existence? Whether you're a parent, teacher, student ro simply curious, you'll appreciate this candid, informative, Christian perspective and analysis of both the geologic record and the biblical account creation.

BK P07 024C1
DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS-TAKING RISKS, ACTING WITH INTEGRITY
Day, Katie
"We don't talk about controversial issues here!" That seems to be the unspoken rule in most faith communities. The unfortunate results of such no-talk rules are that congregations are noticeably absent from the public forum and members of faith communities fail to develop "social capital." We do not form significant connections with one another. In this book, the author invites us to begin engaging in difficult conversations, a process she hopes will become habit-forming, a new way of being communities of faith.

BK P07 004C1
FINDING MEANING AT THE MOVIES
Westfall, John F.
Movies mirror our desires and dreams, but they also shape them, as we struggle to understand ourselves and our world in relation to God. This book serves as a guide to explore major themes, issues, and questions. Nineteen contemporary classic films, organized according to their most prominent them: "Contact, Star Trek, Blade, Runner, Solaris, Unforgiven, The Searchers, Lone Star, Wall Street, Diary of a Country Priest, Forrest Gump, La Strada, Sling Blade," and "The English Patient.
 
BK P07 011C1
FORTY-SIXTY-STUDY FOR MIDLIFE ADULTS WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Gentler, Jr., Richard H.; Miller, Craig Kennet
Combining information about aging with biblical and personal reflection, the authors identify major issues that many people face as they move into midlife. Issues addressed include: ~Myths and Realities of Midlife and Aging ~Children, Parents, and Grandchildren ~Pre-retirement and Work ~Relationships ~Aging Parents ~Losses ~Lifelong Learning ~Spirituality ~Death and Afterlife ~Giving Back. Each session includes a discussion starter, biblical reflection and an activity to see how they are personally dealing with the issue. Discipleship Resources.

BK P07 021C1
FUTURE CHURCH OF 140 B.C.E.
Lee, Bernard J.
A century and a half before the time of Jesus, a movement of educated Jewish laity initiated a profound transformation of Judaism. The author uses this as a metaphor for a hidden revolution in the U.S. Catholic Church today. 

VT P07 007C1
GALILEO
This "one-person" enactment of Galileo, his science, and his religion is designed to help learners consider the relationships between science and religion and how this struggle has impacted history.

BK P07 020C1
GOOD INTENTIONS
Robinson, Duke
The sub-title of this book is "Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People." The author makes a compelling case that many of our problems in the local church are the result of the best of intentions. The author shows ways to stop these negative patterns and replace them with life-affirming ones. Study guide available. 

BK P07 019C1
GOOD INTENTIONS: DISCUSSION GUIDE
Robinson, Duke
A study guide for "Good Intentions: The Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People." The author makes a compelling case that many of our problems in the local church are the result of the best of intentions. This guide will help you lead a discussion group and provide participants with the tools to change their lives in specific, satisfying ways. 

BK P07 003C1
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO HARRY POTTER
Neal, Connie
The author explores the world of magic and mystery created by J. K. Rowling alongside the stories and grand themes of the Bible. Chapters include "The Curse of Death and the Boy Who Lived," "The Leaky Cauldron: A Door to an Unseen World," "Dobby's Sock and Other tales of Redemption," "The Elixir of Life and the quest for Immortality," and "The Seeker Wins the Game."

BK P07 025C1
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE SIMPSONS
Pinsky, Mark I.
The author explores the religious and spiritual aspects of Bart, Homer, and the rest of the cartoon's first family. The book looks at the show's treatment of God, Jesus, heaven and hell, the Bible, prayer, the evangelist next-door, and the town's church and pastor. The treatment of Catholics, Jews, and Hindus is looked at in depth.

BK P07 005C1
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE SIMPSONS: STUDY GUIDE
Pinsky, Mark I.; Parvin, Samuel F.
A companion to the best-selling "The Gospel According to The Simpsons" a 10-sessions study for youth and adults. Topics include prayer, morality, God, pluralism, the institutional church, hell and the devil, and the Bible.

BK P07 007C1
I ASKED FOR INTIMACY
Weems, Renita J.
Weems explores the significant relationships that mold us from birth: mother/daughter, father/daughter, mother/son, wife/husband...and issues that complicate and compromise these relationships: alcoholism, co-dependence, abuse, death.... 

BK P07 034C1 
JESUS AND PRAYER
Fosua, Abena Safiyah
This eight session study examines The Habit of Prayer, The Lord's Prayer, Prayer Parables, Prayer and Healing, The John 17 Prayer, Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Prayers on the Cross. Each session is self-contained and includes study helps and discussion questions for reflection to assist the group leader and individual student.

BK P07 022C1
LIBERATION OF THE LAITY
Rowthorn, Anne
The author tackles the issues of the nature of ministry, priesthood, ordination, lay theology, a spirituality of life in the world. 

BK P07 012C1
MILLENNIUM MYTH
Wright, N. T.
The author argues that getting ready for the millennium does not mean getting ready for the end of the world as we know it. Instead, he points out that celebrating the new millennium means challenging our prevailing cultural story and symbols. 

KT P07 001C1
PARABLES FROM THE FISHIN' HOLE
These four "parables" from from the Andy Griffith show. Using the facilitator's guide, even a leader with little experience can lead a group through the series. It has easy lesson plans, scripture references, participant questions, group questions, and suggestions for preparation. It may be used in small groups, as a Sunday school or adult elective, or in a retreat setting.

BK P07 026C1
PARABLES OF PEANUTS
Short, Robert L.
Using the popular comic strip "Peanuts" the author explores theological issues facing our world, such as how to interpret the signs of the times, healing a broken heart, who's in charge here?, and many more.

BK P07 036C1 
PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS
Gilbert, John P.
This seven lesson Bible Study provides clarity and understanding to the most difficult period of Jesus' life: what we know as Holy Week. Each session is self-contained and includes study helps and discussion questions for reflection to assist the group leader and individual student.

BK P07 028C1 
PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL FOR THE SALVATION OF HUMANKIND
Gonzalez, Catherine Gunsalus
This is the first in a six book series on the Great Ends of the Church. While the Great Ends are not listed by order of importance, the proclamation of the gospel is a good place to begin a study of the church's fundamental principles.

VT P07 012C1
SACRED STORIES
Hughes, Donald
This 77-minute video presented noted writers Frederick Buechner, Maya Angelous, and James Carroll recreating stories from their own lives; sharing their personal triumphs and tragedies, through which the presence of God is revealed. 

BK P07 018C1
SEARCH FOR MEANING
Naylor, Thomas H.; Naylor, Magdalena; Willimon, William H.
A seven-step process that involves coming to grips with what it means to be a human being who lives, loves, works, plays, suffers, and dies. There is a companion video available.

VT P07 013C1
SEARCH FOR MEANING
Naylor, Thomas H.; Naylor, Magdalena; Willimon, William H.
This video is designed to enhance a six-session study of the book by the same title. The study encourages us to examine our lives and ourselves intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, and to express seriously and systematically the "why" of existence. There is an accompanying workbook and student book. 

BK P07 029C1 
SEARCHING FOR TRUTH: CONFESSING CHRIST IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
Currie, Thomas W., III
This book is one in a series of twelve volumes on major theological themes. Each book is concise, readable, thought provoking, and is written by a knowledgeable theologian who is both a gifted writer and committed to the life of the church. Searching for Truth will attempt to answer questions about the challenge of claiming and trusting the truthfulness of gospel in a time when all such truth claims are suspect.

BK P07 030C1 
SEARCHING FOR TRUTH: WE BELIEVE ADULT STUDY GUIDE
The discussion guides to the Foundations of Christian Faith series is offered as the adult study option for the We Believe curriculum. This study guide is especially geared for group discussion and reflection. It suggests an eight week format but also offers four supplemental studies for those groups that prefer a twelve week format.

BK P07 006C1
SERVING FROM THE HEART-LEADER KIT
This is a ministry development resource for Sunday school, small groups, retreats Help adults discover their unique gifts and talents for service, the inspiration to serve, and a way to connect with service in your church community. This 4 to 8 week study leads adults through assessing their spiritual gifts, talents and abilities, resources, individual style, dreams and experiences - all adding up to a unique ability to serve God and neighbor. The leader kit includes easy to follow lesson plans for either 8 45-minute sessions or 4 2-hour sessions. The enhanced CDrom included in the kit makes leading convenient and creative with overhead slides, posters, music and leader training video, from the ministry staff at Church of the Resurrection.

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