There's a new curriculum out that is generating a lot of buzz. It's called Gather Round. You can read all about it from the UCC's Faith Formation newsletter.
Author Brian McLaren states,
"Many of us have lamented the fact that some of the flashiest and most widely marketed curricula teach children about God, the Bible, and the Christian life in ways that students will need to unlearn when they reach adolescence and adulthood. "We’ve hoped and prayed for curricula that would lay a foundation in childhood that will still serve as students come of age. I'm grateful that Gather ’Round is a creative leader in this needed approach. I'm so glad to have finally discovered them."
All age groups study the same Bible texts simultaneously. "Talkabout Walking with Jesus" helps families engage these stories at home with activities, conversation starters, prayers, Bible trivia and more! Click here for a FREE sample!
Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Within months of that first trip to Iceland, the photographer conceived the boldest expedition of his life: The Extreme Ice Survey. Within a few months, the adventurous film-makers captured the largest glacier calving event ever seen on camera, or witnessed by humankind. See the movie below:
This film would be a great Mission 4/1 Earth movie night for your church! If people are on the fence about the issue or just don't know how they feel about it, this movie does a great job at raising consciousness. Even if you know a lot about the issue, the artful way it is presented here is worth viewing.
Just in case you need a little more convincing about the power of social media, just check out this photo taken by NBC News of St Peter's Square. 2005 is Benedict's announcement and 2013 is the announcement of Francis as pope.
It speaks volumes.
So once again, are you using social media in your ministry? If you need help, check out our recent posts on the subject, or email Luke!
In the beginning God created the earth and proclaimed it was good.
And it was.
The earth was full of life-giving air, water and soil and a myriad of creatures, each unique. God created humankind and they too were unique and full of potential. God ordained that humankind should have dominion over this creation. Earth sustained and nurtured humans and animals alike and provided for all their earthly needs. These human creatures learned and grew and used their God given intellect to create tools and methods to enhance their lives.
But they neglected to follow God’s vision and purpose for creation and they sinned. They also used the earth and its resources to further selfish motives and they gave in to greed, sometimes subtly and other times not so subtly. The earth was not being cared for as God intended.
The story of creation and the life of this great earth is akin to the resurrection story.
God’s People were covenanted to offer love and praise to the creator, to love with full hearts, to walk humbly and to do justice, but their own agendas got in the way and they sinned and betrayed Christ for a bag of the earth’s silver. Christ was crucified and buried. But the story does not end there.
Christ was resurrected and the spirit of Christ lives in this world and its people. The earth needs gentle care and thoughtful action to turn around the misuse, greed and lack of Christ like living that abounds. The earth, full of Easter hope, needs us to live in a renewed covenantal relationship with God and with God’s creation.
During the 50 days of Mission 4/1 Earth (April 1 -- May 19, 2013), members of the United Church of Christ's 5,100 congregations will attempt to amass 1 million collective hours of engaged earth care service through conservation, advocacy, education and changed behaviors. Here's suggestions to ignite your participation in the big 1 million-hour goal.
On April 1, 2013, the 1.1-million-member United Church of Christ will launch an aggressive public witness campaign on the environment. The Rev. J. Bennett Guess explains the whole-church mission project and invites your participation.
Our blog will cover how our NW Ohio churches are covering this Mission and post some resources for you to use!
