By Patricia StrandburgFor children, “Close Encounters with the Beatitudes” (VCJ-311) helps intermediate and junior high students think about practical ways to live the Beatitudes. Jimmy thinks the Beatitudes are too hard to understand, but when he dozes off, an angel helps him see how some of his classmates are already living the Beatitudes. He makes a commitment to live these teachings of Jesus in his own life.
For young adults, “The Big Picture” (VCW-829) is a Bible study series and video curriculum for 5 or 13 sessions. The series is packed with real-life stories and even stand-up comedy. Every episode contains practical answers from Phil Callaway on tough issues men and women face today. Episode 1 - The Peter Principle - requires viewers to analyze their faith and discover how their love, compassion, and personal faith can influence those in the world who are constantly seeking for truth.
Adults will benefit from “In The Grit and Grace of Being a Caregiver: Maintaining Your Balance as You care for Others” (VCM-644). Jim Miller shares from his experiences as his wife recovered from cancer. The video uses nature photography to illustrate seven paradoxical principles of healthy care giving. It concludes with an affirmation of life-giving possibilities care giving can provide.
Stephen Ministries Presents (VCC-542.1 & .2) describe the program and benefits of Stephen Ministry. True stories in these videos show the healing, joy, and renewed lives that God brings through Stephen Ministry--not only for those who receive care, but also for those who serve.
The Ecumenical Media Resource Center is supported by a number of denominations, the largest of which is the California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Annual funding from the Conference helps subsidize memberships for Conference churches.
Membership provides catalogs of video and other media resources, and enables each church to have free use of a variety of educational materials, including hundreds of videos, audio cassettes, records (remember those) films, film strips, print materials and curriculum packages that address all kinds of needs. The only cost to member churches is UPS shipping to and from the church. Currently, 126 Conference UMCs belong: 51 large and 75 small churches.
To obtain the videos described this month, a resource catalog or membership information, contact the Nor/Cal Ecumenical Media Resource Center (408) 984-4922, fax (408) 246-4125, visit the website at www.gbgm-umc.org/emrc send e-mail to crmcvideos@aol.com.