Bookshorts

Educational materials

As you plan for the fall Christian education program in your congregation, here are some resources you might like to look at.

Second Mile – Pathway A. The Land that I Will Show You. Newton, Ks. Faith and Life Resources. Carol Penner, editor. Described as “a new teaching tool to empower congregations to proclaim and be active signs of Christ’s peace in a broken world.”

Closer Than a Brother is a study guide for men. The first in a series of five booklets, What Really Matters, edited by J. Lorne Peachey and Everett J. Thomas, helps men grow in discipleship by being in a group with other Christian men. The rest of the series will cover Friendship, Money & Power, Sex, and Family/ Relationships.

Mission-focused Congregations. A Bible study. Newton, Ks. Faith & Life Resources. Lois Barrett, editor. Although the examples given are from Mennonite Church USA, the lessons are applicable to any church interested in mission. Seven lessons discuss 1) God’s mission in the world; 2) Jesus sends the church 3) One new humanity; 4) Taking risks in the power of the Holy Spirit; 5) Missional practices: Making disciples of all nations; 6) Missional practices: Congregational life before the watching world; 7) Dealing with resistance. Discussion questions help focus the teaching.

The following two are part of the Good Ground Bible Studies published by Mennonite Church USA and Church of the Brethren. Designed for adults, there are six lessons in each booklet and each lesson contains preparations for the leader, suggestions for the session itself; and leaders guidelines.

Rhythms of the soul. The Psalms as worship. Cynthia Hockman-Chupp. Newton, Ks. Faith and Life Resources; Elgin, Il.: Brethren Press, 2002. Psalms that call to worship and praise of God, as well as psalms of lament, repentance and covenant renewal are covered.

Second Wind. Reenergizing faith in the book of Hebrews. Ken Hawkley. Newton, Ks. Faith and Life Resources; Elgin, Il.: Brethren Press, 2002. Themes discussed are: 1) Jesus: Beyond Moses; 2) Where can I find a good priest? 3) Hang in there: progress and persistence; 4) You’re forgiven; 5) When the saints go marching in; and 6) Life is hard.

Adventures with the Anabaptists. A study for youth. Jeanne Grieser and Carol Duerksen. Faith and Life Resources. This is a series of 10 lessons written for teachers, and includes reproducible sheets. It brings history to life, relating it to the contemporary issues youth face. The lessons start with Martin Luther and continue with Anabaptist heroes of the faith. Together with the historical aspect are lessons on believer’s baptism, the Lord’s Supper and other tenets of faith.

Trek. Edited by Dave Schrock-Shenk. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2002. A 28-day trek into the world of enough. The curriculum is divided into four sections: In the first week participants will awaken to the journey to find enough joy; the second week they will step out to explore enough simplicity; the third week to lighten the pack in their search for enough; and the fourth week they will stay the course to discover enough for all. It’s designed for any small group: class, dorm, family or individuals, and has more than ample activities to illustrate the lessons.

Novel bookshorts

Land of their Own – Ruth Richert Jones. Omaha, NE.: Thorne Tree Publishers 2002. A family history in novel form. A young family wants to emigrate to America, but their visas and money are stolen the day before they are to leave. Read about their changed plans, and their eventual homestead in South Dakota.

Calm Before the Storm – Janice L. Dick. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2002. This is Dick’s first novel, and promises to be the start of a good trilogy about the Mennonites in South Russia during World War I. A wealthy family needs a tutor for the children on the estate. Johann comes from another village to teach; he becomes part of the family but also finds true faith.

When Lightning Strikes – Hugh Alan Smith. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2001. After lightning killed his parents, Paul Wipf is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in a Hutterite colony. The journey across Russia and across the Atlantic to find a home in North America provide adventures for Paul and his newfound friend, Hannah.