ON THE SHELF                 issue #4

In my opinion, the hardest thing in life is to watch a loved one die and feel powerless to change any of the circumstances.  Each of us responds to grief differently and the death of a loved one instantly changes our lives and puts us on a journey that is unique, yet perhaps similar to others who are grieving.  That's why grief support groups can be so helpful and why churches are in a unique position to offer this ministry at little or no cost to grieving persons.  This new resource consists of a DVD, leader guide, participant book, daily devotions and pocket-size preview book that presents the main concepts of the book.  Developed by Julie Yarbrough, after the death of her husband who pastored a large UMC in Dallas, this kit is highly spoken of by Sarah Wilke, publisher of The Upper Room who says  this is "an exquisitely thoughtful resource for the most difficult work we must undertake as human beings."  

For the next few months, we'll be featuring different stewardship resources since we recently received an abundant supply of free material from the Kirkland Cokesbury store closure and many of them are kits for all-church Stewardship Campaigns.  This month the kit is Committed to Christ: Six Steps to a Generous Life by Bob Crossman who has more than 35 years experiece pastoring churces of every size from as small as 13 members to more than 3,000. Additionally, he has served as the Director of the New Church Leadership Institute of the Arkansas UMC Conference and as a Ministry Strategist for Horizons Stewardship.  The focus of Committed to Christ is that stewardship is not just giving 10% of our income to the church, but that it is a lifetime process of giving 100% of who we are to Jesus.

  

This resource was published in 2012 by Abingdon Press.  The six-week study explores these steps to generosity:  Prayer, Bible-reading, Worship, Witness, Financial Giving, and Service.  With each step through worship, sermons and small group activities, congregants consider prayerfully their commitment level and their ability to increase that level by one step at a time.  

  

I like the fact that this is a current resource and that it contains material for social media as well as print.  You'll find all that you need (and likely more) to run a church-wide stewardship program including the program guide CD-ROM, Adult Reading/Study Book, Small Group Leader Guide, Devotional book with 40 devotions for a generous life, a preview book, CD-ROM with tweets, posts, and prayers for social media, and a DVD with worship loops and lead-ins.  There is plenty here to dig into and use to develop disciples who will transform their churches and communities.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Cancer Control Month, Autism and Alcohol Awareness Month, National Anxiety Month, Pets are Wonderful Month, Listening Awareness Month, National Woodworking Month and even Holy Humor Month!  Yes, Holy Humor Month--check out this link if you need some laughs or want to celebrate Holy Humor Sunday.

Wouldn't it be great if you could cover all the bases of following copyright law with just one license that would meet all your needs?  Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that even though many people seem to assume it does.  I don't know how many times I've heard people say "oh we have the CCLI license--we're covered for that" when in fact they aren't.  Here is a free fact sheet that gives really helpful tips on what licenses cover and don't cover. 

  

  

For more information on your specific needs, feel free to consult your Regional Media Center manager.  One benefit of RMC membership is access to reduced prices on CVLI licenses, and more recently, unlimited ability to download worship videos from The Work of The People. 

  

Keeping on top of copyright issues can be challenging, but it's worth the time and expense since violations can be costly and churches may be prosecuted just like any other business that may break the law. 

  

Even though there are specific religious services exemptions, they don't cover every activity in a church, so it pays to be prepared and know what licenses you need, what you have, where the gaps may be and how to correct any deficiencies.  While we can't give legal advice we can share best practices and put you in touch with appropriate licensing professionals or informational websites. 

  

Now a word about billing...the first quarter statements of account have been mailed.  If you have any questions about your statement of activity, please don't hesitate to contact me at media@regionalmediacenter.org.   Please pay all invoices promptly and be aware that your invoices and statements may include charges for shipping/handling, CVLI licenses and membership.  We are also always willing to accept financial donations, should you wish to make a gift to our ministry. 

  

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'  Acts 2:28 NIV

I did it. I finally kept a New Year's resolution beyond the first few days of January!  This year I decided to read the entire bible cover to cover.  With the help of a resource called The Bible in 90 Days I managed to fnd quiet time nearly every day to read The Bible from Genesis through Revelation.  Did you know that if you read just 12 pages a day you can read the entire bible in 90 days?  As I completed my reading I wondered, why haven't I done this before?  One of the things that I noticed during my reading was which books and verses  are very familiar to me and which ones I've never read.  I also noticed lots of repetition of words, themes, stories, historical descriptions and how many scripture verses I had memorized as a kid in Sunday School.   It was helpful to look at the biblical story in its entirety and see how various parts connect.  As I completed this project I realized it would make an excellent Lenten/Easter study.  With Lent being a 40-day period and Eastertide lasting 50 days you could start on Ash Wednesday and end your reading about the time of Pentecost.  The resource I used is available from the Media Center and can be used by individuals or groups.  Each person needs his or her own bible and I recommend using the version created as part of the kit since it is easily readable and has each daily section marked.  I also would recommend doing this study with others since the group  discussion is helpful.  There are two options for video study featuring commentary by a lay preacher or by professors from Wheaton College.  I also think it would be helpful in a church-wide process to have a UMC pastor comment on the teaching episodes.   One of the commentators when discussing the book of Romans mentioned how that book had influenced so many great theologians including Martin Luther and John Wesley. My question to pastors is what book of the Bible do you think most influenced John Wesley?  And my challenge to all readers?  Spend time reading The Bible attentively because Scripture is the primary part of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral and the root of our faith.   

In Christ,

  

Ellen

Join the RMC as a new member and receive a free item from our Cokesbury Closing Inventory.  We've already given items to several churches and even sent items to the Philippines to encourage our sisters and brothers in Christ in their churches. We have such things as videos, books, curricula, certificates of baptism, membership and marriage.  Call Ellen at 1-800-755-7710 to find out what is still available.