RE:source

Questions... and Answers (New Resources)

2011-03-11T10:51:00.000-05:00

The titles of some of our new resources seem to have a theme:

Questions... and Answers.

What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be A Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most, by Martin Thielen
   Part 1 of this book presents ten things Christians don't need to believe. In short, Christians don't need to believe in closed-minded faith. For example, Christians don't need to believe that Jews are going to hell or that it's heresy to believe in evolution.
   Part 2 presents ten things Christians do need to believe - what matters most, if you will. They need to believe in Jesus - his life, teachings, example, death, and resurrection. A great benefit of these beliefs is that they provide promising answers to life's most profound questions, including:
      "Where is God? What brings fulfillment? What about suffering? And is there hope?"
   Many people in the 21st century hunger for an alternative expression of Christian faith that's different from the judgmental and narrow-minded caricatures they see on religious televsion and in the news. This book offers such an alternative. It articulates centrist, mainline, and moderate Christianity in a way that's fresh and easy to understand. It also offers authentic Christian insights that speak to our deepest human needs.

The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with answers), by Mark Mittelberg

Through a national poll conducted bythe Barna Group, Mittelberg uncovered the questions Christians most fear being asked. Complete with discussion questions, this book will help you meet today's hot-button issues head on.

Questions include the following: "Sure, Jesus was a good man. Why make him into the Son of God, too?; Didn't evolution put God out of a job?; Why are Christians so obsessed with abortion?; What makes you so sure God even exists?; and Christians are hypocrites - so why should I listen to you?"
This book has gotten excellent reviews.

More Presbyterian Questions, More Presbyterian Answers: Exploring Christian Faith, by Donald K. McKim

Subtitled "Exploring Christian Faith", this book is a follow-up to his 2003 bestseller "Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers". This study-friendly guide articulates the basic tenets of the faith and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about being a Presbyterian.

Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk Emeritus of the GA and Visiting Prof. at Louisville Pres. Seminary states, "Donald McKim once again makes the Presbyterian and Reformed faith come alive for people all across the church. McKim poses questions that Presbyterians are asking - about others, about social and ethical issues, about what we believe, and about the future - and provides clear and inspiring answers to each one of them. This is a book that every Presbyterian should read and take to heart!"

Got Questions? Need Answers? Know someone who does? Stop by the Resource Center!

March Educators Luncheon on the Peninsula!

2011-02-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

As Spring nears and our thoughts turn to preparation for the coming year at our churches, one thing we’ll be thinking about is teacher training. Another is a change of scenery, so we're heading to the Peninsual for our Educators Luncheon in March!

Cynthia Geisert and Kristen Koger invite you to the Educators Luncheon on March 3, 12:00pm, at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church as they present “The Holiness of Teaching”.

This presentation will not be about programming or “10 ways to improve communication” or ...or …or …but rather a little spiritual deposit into the soul bank to inspire us in our educational activity.

Join us for this special time together at one of our Peninsula churches. Bring a bag lunch… Yorkminster will offer drinks, dessert, and wonderful hospitality. RSVP soon to Donna Rae Barrow, Resource Center Director, 757-397-7063 or donnarae@pcusa-peva.org.

Fritz and Christine & Their Very Nervous Parents

2011-02-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

A wonderful new addition to the Resource Center, Fritz and Christine & Their Very Nervous Parents is a parable about vocation, serving others, and living life more prayerfully. Subtitled "A Story for children and the adults who love them", the story is based on the following questions: "Would Fritz and Christine be a blessing to the world, or not? Would they think of others, or only of themselves? And Would they be givers, or takers?"

These questions are repeated as reflection questions for the readers within the story. The following prayer is also sung (with music and words on the back of the book) several times: "O God's dear children as you grow, Be kind to everyone you know, Help neighbor and all those in need, and Turn away from selfish greed."

This is an excellent book for all those wishing that contemporary children's books had a little more substance and direction to them.

And Fritz and Christine is not just for children. A recent adult Sunday School class in our presbytery used verses of Scripture along with the shared reading of this delightful book as their lesson. Choir members in the class were able to lead all in singing the musical prayer.

Born and raised in Hampton and later accepting a call to Simonsdale Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Matt Matthews loves to write. His first novel, Mercy Creek, winner of the South Carolina Arts Commission First Novel Prize, will be published in the May 2011 by the award-winning Hub City Press. Look for Mercy Creek later this year in the Resource Center.

New Studies at the Resource Center

2011-02-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

Looking for a small group or Sunday School study for adults? We've got a few new ones at the Resource Center...

Infuse

Colossians: The New Old Perfectly Imperfect You

Esther: Courage in a Complicated World

Jonah: Fish, Flaws, Forgiveness

Matthew: One King to Rule Them All

This series shows God at work in real people, at real places, in real ways - both in the Bible and in our lives today. The study guides are packed with background, context, and historical insights to help all of us, not just Bible scholars, discover where God's Word and daily life intersect.

With these studies, you can engage in lively discussion and learning without having studied the Bible before doing each lesson, and you can use these effectively for small group or personal study.

The approach to Bible study in this series emphasizes discovery (the reader discovers what the Bible has to say by asking questions and seeking answers from the passage studied.) Additional insights from history and other sources help to fill in details that connect this story to the larger story of God's love and care for us all.

Being Reformed - - New Titles

Being Reformed: A Brief Statement of Faith

Examine the background and context of A Brief Statement of Faith, as well as its Trinitarian structure and how it relates to beliefs in the ecumenical church, the Protestant Reformation, and our Reformed theological tradition.

Being Reformed: Recognizing God's Grace

Through Scripture, history, theology, and practical life examples, this study examines grace in the Bible, throughout Christian history, and through Reformed understandings.

Being Reformed: Stewardship of Creation

Explore the biblical bases for our care of creation along with sessions on being environmentally friendly at home, at church, and in the world.

Being Reformed: Wisdom from the Early Church

This study discusses the formation of the Christian tradition on major theological issues as the church sought its Christian identity, including: forming the Christian Bible, developing a doctrine of God, confessing Christ, building the church, and shaping Christian life.

In The Works

How Do I Make It Right?
How Do I Begin?: Sharing Your Faith
What Do I Do With My Life?: Serving God Through Work
What Do I Owe?: Managing the Gifts God Gives You
Where Do I Come In?: Joining God's Mission

This series is all about missional living. Offering hands-on activities and follow-up action options, these studies explore how Christians can join in God's mission in the world using the gifts they've been given. Although it is in a small group format, it would also make an excellent adult Bible study.

Each book includes five inspiring daily readings for each week, five easy-to-use discussion guides with opening and closing activities, Bible study, and stimulating questions and activities, follow-up action options to apply the study to real-world life.

Two exciting PW events on the Southside!

2011-01-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

Two exciting Presbyterian Women events are coming up on the Southside...

The Presbyterian Women of Providence Presbyterian Church invite you to "Women Living Wholly for God" on Saturday, January 29th from 9am - 2pm. This wonderful day of bringing God more and more into our everyday lives includes special guest speaker, Kelly Miller, professional organizer/home stager and author of the blog, The Tidy Brown Wren. Kelly will offer guidance on organizing our home to be a blessing. A chef from Williams Sonoma will delight our senses with a cooking demonstration and we'll also enjoy a video from Liz Curtis Higgs. The labyrinth and spirituality stations will be set up in the church parlor for a few moments of quiet with the Lord. A healthy breakfast, a good-for-you soup and salad lunch, and childcare are included in the $5 registration fee. Please call Jane Everton, 495-5532, to register today!

The Presbyterian Women of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church extend an invitation to you for the wonderful drama, "Women of the Bible: Stories of Passion, Power, and Purpose," presented by award-winning Biblical dramatist, Anita Gutschick. This weekend event begins on Friday evening, February 25th (coffee and dessert included), and continues on Saturday morning, February 26th (breakfast bites and lunch included). Childcare for little ones is also included in the $35 registration fee. It is the prayer of the Women of Grace that the Heavenly Father bless your time with them, revitalizing and energizing you to love and serve in His name. Contact Grace Covenant for more information, 427-6478.

"Why Are These Presbyterian Churches Growing?" - book review

2011-01-18T16:12:00.000-05:00

Why Are These Presbyterian Churches Growing?: (The Story of Fifteen Thriving Presbyterian Churches
Foster H. Shannon

Green Leaf Press, Alhambra, CA

2009

Why is it that Fifteen Presbyterian Churches in California have shown substantial membership growth? Their exciting stories challenge and encourage all of us, while their unique examples teach us how to improve our ministries in the local church.

"The answer, of course, is a combination of excellent leadership and excellent programs of ministry that attract new people. The book compares membership and attendance gains from 2002 to 2007, along with background information about the community and the church. A summary of the staff and programs gives a snapshot of the congregation's ministry in a typical week. The churches offer us many possibilities for growth beyond the incentive of favorable demographics. A concluding chapter gives a few general suggestions for us to consider in following the example of these growing churches."

Reviewed by Pastor Doug VanNiel,

Bethany Presbyterian Church,

Zuni

Want to know more? Check it out at the PEVA Resource Center!

Contemplative Retreat in February

2011-01-13T22:02:00.001-05:00

As winter deepens and our pace slows down a bit, it is the perfect season to recollect ourselves, to take some time to sense where our inner compass might be pointing, to listen quietly to our soul’s stirrings.

Whether we are facing a transition, or simply need reminding of what is foundational for each of us, our “homeground,” this contemplative retreat will provide the space, rest and discovery needed to navigate life’s passages.

During this weekend of quiet time, artwork, presentations, journaling, community, walks in nature, yoga, delicious meals, and more, we will explore:

Being attuned to endings and beginnings
Identifying our homeground, our sources of strength
Ways of listening that encourage and deepen us

"To be contemplative does not mean to be curious about the world or to collect information, but to be quiet before the world and recollect oneself.”    - Marv Hiles

The location is the incomparable Cobb Island Station retreat center just north of Cape Charles. This expansive and soulful facility offers a beautiful waterfront setting, grounds for strolling, a labyrinth, hot-tub, and very comfortable accommodations and meeting rooms. Limited accommodations are available for overnight lodging. Spaces are also available for retreat participation during Saturday only, or during both Saturday and Sunday.

Dates:   9:00am Saturday, February 5th, till 2pm Sunday, February 6th.

Information/registration:    http://www.esva.net/~dryon/retreat.htm
Registration deadline: Tuesday January 25th, 2011. Debbie Ryon 710-4661 or dryon@verizon.net

Rates:
Full weekend, with overnight accommodation, materials and all meals:

Double: $225 Private: $275

Saturday only, materials & meals through dinner, no overnight accommodation: $75
Saturday & Sunday, materials & meals through dinner, no overnight accommodation: $125
Friday night extension (7 pm arrival for evening quiet time, no dinner)

Double: add $50, Private: add $75

About the leaders:

Nina Frost Close is an experienced retreat leader, spiritual director, career counselor, the director of Adult Education at Marble Collegiate Church in New York and the co-author of Soul Mapping: An Imaginative Way to Self-Discovery. She divides her time between New York and her Onancock home.

Nancy Collins, PhD is an administrator and career counselor for Old Dominion University. She also teaches student development courses for Eastern Shore Community College. Nancy has an interest in how art helps us to discover ourselves.

Debbie Ryon is a facilities engineer, leader of a local “Art & Soul” group and an avid contemplative retreat participant.

Book Talk with Dr. Louis B. Weeks

2011-01-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

You are invited to the inaugural "William Smith Morton Library Book Talk" - a new program through Union Presbyterian Seminary's "Union Live" initiative to bring Union resources to you and your church.

"William Smith Morton Library Book Talks" will semi-annually bring you a featured author who is also an alumnus/a of Union Theological Seminary, Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Union-PSCE or Union Presbyterian Seminary.

The first of these features Dr. Louis B. Weeks' To Be a Presbyterian, with discussion and Q&A. For thirteen years, as Union and PSCE federated, and as the new programs opened in Charlotte, NC, Weeks served as President. His books include To Be a Presbyterian-Revised Edition (2010); All For God’s Glory: Redeeming Church Scutwork (2008) The Presbyterian Presence: Bible Words That Shape a Faith (1992); and Making Ethical Decisions. He co-edited six casebooks, and he co-edited the Presbyterian Presence (1989-1993), a seven-volume study of the PC(USA). He writes regularly for several websites, including Resourcing American Christianity, Faith and Leadership, and The Presbyterian Leader. He is also one of the authors of the new PC (USA) curriculum, Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding.

You may attend the Book Talk in person or you may view the discussion live by registering for the webinar here.

Resources by Dr. Louis B. Weeks are available in the Resource Center... check the online catalog and reserve a title today!

God in America

2010-12-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Daily Break section of the Virginian Pilot highlighted the Top 10 TV Shows of 2010. Among the 10 'top examples of when TV soared' this year was the PBS series, God in America. Here's the article's summary:

"In this six-hour documentary, "Frontline" and "American Experience" joined forces to tell the story of America with religious faith as its narrative thread. Religious liberty was a founding principle that helped shape America's identity, and this film, spanning 400 years, surveys the rough-and-tumble competition of the religious free market that resulted."

This resource tells the sweeping and dramatic story of religious life in America, examining more than 500 years of American religious history, from the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the 2008 presidential election. Examine this history as it has played out in public life, exploring the complex interaction between religion and democracy in the United States; the origins of the American concept of religious liberty; the dynamics of the ever-evolving American religious marketplace; and more. The series explores its themes through a series of emblematic stories of the country's religious history, and the political and spiritual journeys of important historical figures.

Included are Disc One, Episode One: A New Adam; Disc One, Epidsode Two: A New Eden; Disc Two, Episode Three: A Nation Reborn; Disc Two, Episode Four: A New Light; Disc Three, Episode Five: Soul of a Nation; Disc Three, Episode Six: Of God and Caesar.

Also included on Disc Three: bonus behind the scenes videos and printable materials (study guide, eight Visiting Sacred Spaces guides, and viewing party tool kit).

This multi-DVD documentary is available at the PEVA Resource Center...

check it out and learn more

about how religion carved our nation's history,

and consider it for a small group study

in the coming year.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

Joy, peace, and hope to you as you celebrate the birth of Christ!

Your savior is born today in David’s city.

He is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Cokesbury VBS Preview!

2010-12-20T12:32:00.001-05:00

Great news! I’ve just received word that the dates/times are set for the VBS preview at the Chesapeake Cokesbury store are set:

Thursday, January 27th, at 12:00 noon and again at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, January 29th, at 10:00 am (with the Group Publishing representative) and again at 12:30 pm.

PLEASE remember to RSVP for this special event by calling the Cokesbury store, (757) 312-0084.

As an additional note, Augsburg Fortress will not be publishing a traditional Vacation Bible School curriculum this year. Augsburg is offering the new ‘green’ VBS curriculum introduced last year: ReNew. Learn more about this exciting option by clicking here.

Hurried and worried?

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Is the rush and stress of the holiday season getting you down? There's still time to find ideas for living more simply and rediscovering what Advent and Christmas are really about. Check out Ideas for Reclaiming Advent and Christmas from PC USA's Enough for Everyone ministry. This 4-page downloadable booklet offers great ideas for incorporating prayer, responsible gift-giving, and serving sustainable holiday meals. The booklet also lists resources for further study.

Here's an excerpt from the Holiday Gifts section:

"Holiday Gifts
The Magi traveled a long distance to bring gifts to Jesus. Their gifts honored the child and provided for the family. Today, gift giving can be a tricky topic. Like the Magi, we should find humble gifts that honor our loved ones while honoring Christ and remembering why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

   Meals: Give the promise of food and meals to people on your list. Promising to eat lunch with loved ones at their workplace or school once a month is a great way to spend more time together.
   Homemade Gifts: Knitted items, framed photos, handcrafted toys, works of art, and other personally made gifts show care and concern for the recipients because they require time and thought to create.
   Commitment: Make a commitment to someone this season. Find ways to serve the people on your list by committing to care for them. You might shovel snow, prepare meals, plan events, or schedule a vacation."

Enjoy a simple, sane, and sustainable holiday!

January Educators Luncheon - Be I.G.

2010-12-14T09:28:00.000-05:00

Educators, Youth Leaders, Pastors, Volunteers, you are invited to the next Educators Luncheon to be held at the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia Resource Center. Mark your calendars now and bring your lunch on Thursday, January 6th, at noon for a great time of learning and sharing together.

January's topic offers BIG ideas for Being I.G.! To grow as a church family means celebrating our similarities and exploring our differences among all ages. In short, it means being intentional about being intergenerational (I.G.). This presentation will include 'field tested' I.G. events for small and large groups. Discover ways to engage all ages in fun, biblical, historical, and seasonal activities within your small or large congregation. Tweak 'em and own 'em. Jacqui Horton, DCE at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, will bring her creativity and enthusiasm to share with all!

Please RSVP to Donna Rae Barrow, Resource Center Director at PEVA, before Tuesday, January 4th, by calling 757-397-7063 or sending a message to donnarae@pcusa-peva.org.

Thoughtful Christian Sale!

2010-12-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

The Thoughtful Christian is an online resource center and marketplace featuring downloadable studies for youth, adults, and parents, as well as thousands of books from many of the most compelling authors in the fields of Christianity, spirituality, and religion.

And they're having a 12 Days of Christmas Sale!

Beginning December 6 through December 17, customers can take advantage of great deals on books as well as subscriptions and renewals to The Thoughtful Christian downloadable Sunday school resources.

A new special will be added each day, along with FREE shipping on book orders of $25 or more. To view the "12 Days of Christmas" calendar, featuring a listing of the specials available each day... click HERE and enjoy the savings!

Jesse Tree resources, and a free download!

2010-12-01T11:03:00.002-05:00

Welcome to December... a time of waiting and watching in wonder!

One way to enhance this time of expectation is to create a Jesse Tree. A Jesse Tree is a small tree decorated with symbols portraying the spiritual heritage of Jesus, a royal family tree of sorts. Check out these resources to get started:

The Jesse Tree: Stories and Symbols of Advent

This lovely book, written in 1966 by Raymond and Georgene Anderson, shares the heritage of Jesus in stories and symbols. The Resource Center has used this book to create a bulletin board Jesse Tree that climbs up the wall and over part of the ceiling, symbols floating for all to enjoy!

The Jesse Tree

In this modern-day story, the symbols are added day by day during the season of advent, and day by day the old stories are retold, culminating in the stories of the first Christmas. Whether the twenty-four stories in this book are read during Advent or enjoyed one afternoon in mid-summer, they are a great addition to the understanding of Advent and the Jesse tree for all ages.

There are lots of activities and recipes and Bible studies out there in 'Blog-land', but I recently found this sweet one from Ann at A Holy Experience. It's free, downloadable, printable, and includes some lovely ornaments to cut out for each day's reading. In addition to the daily scripture, there are meditations, prayers, and ways to 'unwrap His love in the world' - small gestures to share the good news. Click HERE to learn more about downloading this resource.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T11:12:00.000-05:00

May the enduring love of our Creator

fill us with gratitude and responsibility

for all we have been given.

Amen.

From "For Everything There is a Season: 75 Blessings for Daily Life," a wonderful resource filled with preparation, welcoming thoughts, prayers, Bible texts, reflections, ritual actions, and blessings for all the seasons of our lives.

Youth Resources coming soon!

2010-11-17T14:15:00.002-05:00

Two new items for youth are on their way to the Resource Center:

InSight: Harry Potter (15 minute DVD with guide for discussion) – InSight, the unique new series from Stephen Skelton (The Mayberry Bible Study, Gilligan's Island & the Seven Deadly Sins Bible Study, etc.) is focused on hot topics at the intersection of culture and Christianity. Engaging entertainment from a faith perspective, each entry in the series will equip you to reach youth, adults, and seekers by asking three relevant questions. In InSight: Harry Potter, you’ll discover the answers to:

What does the author say? – Learn why Rowling said her belief in God inspired Harry Potter

What does the story say? – Uncover Harry’s prophecy, ‘power’ of love, and title of ‘chosen one’

What does the Bible say? – Find out which two Bible verses Rowling said summarize the series

Complete with direct quotes from the author, an overview of major Christian imagery in the series and discussion questions in the guide, InSight : Harry Potter equips you to start a conversation with a cultural hot topic only to lead into a talk about the more important matters of the Christian faith.

the me I want to be: becoming God’s best version of you: teen edition / John Ortberg with Scott Rubin – God’s best version of you is waiting. But first, John Ortberg has two very important questions:

Are you REALLY LIVING = full of joy and peace, in harmony with God, others, self; curious, willing to learn and experience opportunities to grow toward the Best Version of yourself;

Are you DECAYING = lacking mental and emotional energy, feeling uneasy and not very content, too self-focused?

Ortberg has some intriguing answers to those questions in this curriculum and will help youth guage spiritual health and deal with real issues faced as a teen in today’s world. The five sessions, each planned for approx. 60 minutes in length, include: Discovering the Spirit; Renewing My Mind; Redeeming My Time; Deepening My Relationships; Transforming My Experiences. This curriculum kit contains: 1 softcover book; 1 participant's guide; 1 DVD with five video session and leader’s guide.

Gluten-free Gingerbread

2010-11-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

As the season for building houses and stables and cottages with gingerbread approaches, please remember to be inclusive. Many of our friends beside us in our churches have discovered a sensitivity to gluten. I went searching and found the following recipe on the web, checked it with a doctor mom of a gluten-sensitive child, and it's safe! Tried this recipe over the weekend... it's delicious!!! We'll be using this recipe at our church's Advent workshop so that EVERYONE can partake.

Gingerbread for Cookies & Houses (GFCF)

This is a sturdy, versatile dough that is just right for gingerbread cookies — either crispy or chewy — and for the walls and roof of your allergen-free, gluten-free, casein-free gingerbread house. The cookies are not super- sweet, so they work well for icing. (I used royal icing for the gingerbread house; many recipes can be found online.)

This recipe does freeze very well. Thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temp before rolling.

(12/13/09 Note: It’s getting harder to find amaranth flour. Today, I made the cookies, substituting 1⁄2 cup quinoa flour and 1⁄2 cup millet flour for the amaranth, and they turned out great. I also altered the amounts of sweet rice flour and brown rice flour. ALSO — Bob’s Red Mill Brown Rice flour seems to be milled more finely than Arrowhead Mill’s. If you use Arrowhead Mill’s, expect your cookies to be a tad grittier.)

GFCF Gingerbread Cookies
Makes about 8 dozen medium-sized cutout cookies
•    1 cup amaranth flour
•    2 cups potato starch
•    3 cups sweet rice flour
•    3 cups brown rice flour
•    2 Tbsp xanthan gum
•    3 Tbsp baking powder
•    3 Tbsp potato flour (optional)
•    2 Tbsp ground ginger (or more, if you like ‘em really gingery)
•    1 Tbsp ground allspice
•    1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
•    1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
•    3 cups powdered sugar
•    2 cups dark brown sugar
•    2 cups shortening
•    1 cup eggs (depending on size, 4-5 eggs. Measure into a glass measuring cup.)
•    1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp dark molasses (OR 1/3 cup blackstrap molasses)
•    1 Tbsp salt
1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2.    In a large bowl, with a whisk, mix together the flours, starch, xanthan gum, baking powder, and
spices until well-combined. Set aside.
3.    In another large bowl, cream together the powdered and brown sugars, shortening, eggs, molasses and salt.
4.    To the sugar mixture, add flour mixture, about 2 cups at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the flour mixture is mostly incorporated, knead the dough in the bowl, slowly punching the dough down in the middle and folding the sides of the dough into the middle. Or, put the dough on a non-stick surface (like a silicone mat or a marble slab), and knead it on there. Incorporate all the flour mixture until you have a stiff dough.
5.    If the dough is too dry, and will not hold all of the flour, add a Tbsp of water at a time until it will gather into a ball. Resist adding water if at all possible. The dough works best if it is not very moist.
6.    If you refrigerate or freeze the dough, bring to room temp before rolling. For the most uniform cookies, and definitely for the large sections required for gingerbread houses, roll the dough right onto a large piece of foil or parchment, then pick up the sheet and transfer to the cookie sheet. Working with about 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll the dough 1/4′′ thick. From this dough, either cut sections for your gingerbread house from a template, or use cookie cutters.
7.    Greasing the pan is not necessary, but I favor using nonstick foil. For best results, use insulated pans. (Hint: for your own insulated pans, take two regular jelly roll pans, and between them, add a layer of heavy duty aluminum foil that has been wrinkled, then partially smoothed out. This will create an air gap between the two pans.)
8.    If you roll your cookies to 1/4′′ thickness and bake on insulated pans as suggested, baking time is 19 minutes. If your cookies are thinner, and/or you’re using thinner pans, bake time will be shorter. When done, the corners of your cookies will just start to brown, and the middles will no longer feel spongy. Also, you can bake for 16-17 minutes to produce a softer, chewier cookie (this is not recommended for gingerbread houses, though).

Shepherd's Speedy Snacks

2010-11-06T20:38:00.001-04:00

Christmas Extras: Faith Filled Ideas for Celebrating Christmas by Jan Kershner is one of the new books at the Resource Center, and it's filled with lots of fun and easy projects for the Advent season. The projects each have an objective, supply list, time needed, preparation steps, and even what to say and ask the children as they work on the project.

I'm on the team designing the Advent workshop at my church: Preparing the Way at Providence. Like most Advent workshop events, there will be stations for creating Advent wreaths and Chrismons, a corner for stories to be read, tables of fair trade wares, and yummy refreshments. But what I was looking for was a fresh approach to 'getting the word out' about the event. That's when I read Christmas Extras and came across Shepherd's Speedy Goodies on page 22. Perfect!

I started off at the computer, developing a topper for the bag that would contain what I renamed 'Shepherd's Speedy Snacks'. On one side of the topper were details about Preparing the Way at Providence. On the other side (after the topper is folded) is the 'what to say' section from the project as shown on page 22... a story about the shepherds leaving on a journey to see the baby Jesus. I also included the ingredients of the 'Snacks'. Four of these toppers fit on a page, and were printed onto cardstock, cut to size and folded in half. On to the mixing!

For the 'Speedy Snacks', I mixed Cheerios, pistachios, and dried cranberries: nutritious and festive in color. I measured out 1/3 cup per bag and sealed it shut. The topper was then stapled on and that was all there was to it! The youth will help assemble these bags of 'Snacks', making quick work of the process.

These tasty little marketing tools will be handed out during our post-worship fellowship time... a tasty snack, a quick story, and an invitation to the Advent workshop.

Check out Christmas Extras for some Sunday School fun, for Children's Church lessons, or maybe some surprising inspiration!

PS - Easter Extras: Faith Filled Ideas for Easter Week is available, too!

New Resource: Canon and Creed

2010-11-03T21:31:00.001-04:00

New resources arrive almost daily at the Resource Center! One such resource is this offering in the newest phase of the Interpretation commentary series: Canon and Creed by Robert W. Jenson.

In this challenging work, Jenson posits that for the sake of its integrity through history, the church must always remember that canon needs creed and creed needs canon and that the church must govern its discourse and practice by their joint import. But how does the church understand and protect the relation between its Scripture and its creedal formulations? No one is more qualified to address that question than Jenson, who shows how canon and creed work together and interact and who argues that neither is sufficient to guide Christian faith without the help of the other.
This book will enable contemporary interpreters and teachers, pastors, and laity to attend to the questions and understand the tensions that are always present as the church seeks to hold canon and creed together.

"…In this short book, Jenson renews our sense of shock that Scripture, creed, and theology could ever have become separated in the modern church. What is more, he teaches us how to reweave them, both by precept and by example," commented R. Kendall Soulen, Professor Systematic Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary.

Additions to this Interpretation series will focus on the Bible's most enduring passages and most vital themes, bringing to these topics the insight and faithful wisdom that are longtime Interpretation hallmarks. Planned titles include: The Ten Commandments, Eschatology, Violence in the Bible, Sacraments, Miracles, Women in the Bible, and many more. Check out the first in this series from the Resource Center!

Beyond Games and Soup Kitchens with Rodger Nishioka

2010-10-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, several of us from the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia attended a seminar at Union Presbyterian Seminary with Rodger Nishioka, Benton Family Chair in Christian Education, Columbia Theological Seminary. The title of the seminar, "Beyond Games and Soup Kitchens: Nurturing a Passionate Spirituality in Youth Ministry," didn't begin to cover the treasures unfolded in the two days spent in dialogue together.

I must admit that I LOVE learning. Crave new information like others crave chocolate. I took 13 pages of notes over the two days. I'm still transcribing those notes, so let me share what some others took away from our time with Rodger Nishioka:

The one thing Rodger said that really stuck with me was, and I’m paraphrasing, “the Golden Rule is well and good to get us started, but what I think God is really calling us to do is love our neighbor as they want to be loved. This means we must get to know them enough to know how best they are loved, not simply place our own wants and needs on them.”

What a fascinating idea! I’ve already shared this with my youth and they also had a really positive reaction to the idea. I hope that in my ministry, I am loving these youth as they need to be loved!

Sarah Ramsey
Director of Youth Ministries
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church

I think the thing that intrigued me the most was the discussion of moral realism vs moral relativism and our role in guiding them through this shift. Not that I was completely oblivious to these different ways of thinking, but the emphasis on this helped me to think about the way that I interact with my youth group. It also forces me to gauge the expectations I have for my kids and will allow me to adjust accordingly.

Sherri Egerton

Program Director

Makemie Woods Camp and Conference Center

During the seminar, resources for further reading were recommended... this one is currently available for checkout from the Resource Center:

Kenda Creasy Dean's "Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church" - this book offers a compelling new model for reaching, discipling, and empowering today's youth. The uniqueness of this book lies in its relocating youth ministry in practical theology rather than in educational theory or psychological or social development. It pays attention to the theological mooring that youth need to connect with the church and hold firm amid the growing demands of popular culture by focusing on the theological resonance between the passion of Christ and adolescents' experience of passion. She uses this to develop a framework for youth ministry that draws on the historic practices of the Christian community as a 'curriculum of passion."

Want to learn more? Rodger Nishioka is coming to our area! He'll be at Makemie Woods March 18-19. Mark your calendars now and look for more information to come.

Educators Luncheon in November

2010-10-26T19:29:00.000-04:00

Educators Luncheon
Conversation and Inspiration
from Makemie Woods and PEVA Youth Ministry
Thursday, November 4th – Noon

Special Guests: Rev. ‘Mike’ Burcher and Sherri Egerton

How can we as Christian Educators and Youth Leaders support each other? Do you have questions about PEVA Youth Ministry? What’s the latest news from Makemie Woods? And how do the answers to these questions help us as we seek to nurture and educate the youth in our churches?

Mike and Sherri will be joining us next Thursday, November 4th, at the Resource Center to share and discuss ways Makemie Woods and PEVA Youth Ministry can support the ministry of the local congregation.

Bring your thoughts, your questions, a brown bag lunch, and ANY EDUCATORS AND YOUTH LEADERS from your church wishing to attend. RSVP to Donna Rae Barrow, PEVA Resource Center Director, by Tuesday, November 2nd - - 397-7063, ext. 313 or donnarae@pcusa-peva.org.

"Common Threads"

2010-10-22T14:12:00.000-04:00

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Higgins

of First Presbyterian Church in Hampton

will be the guest speaker at the

Praying Hands Prayer Shawl Gathering

"Common Threads"

Saturday, November 13, 2010

9:30 am - 3:00 pm

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Cordier Hall

512 Buckroe Avenue, Hampton

This is a wonderful opportunity for those involved in Prayer Shawl ministry to come together to create new friendships, take part in a prayer shawl blessing service, and leave with a fresh way of looking at the work we have been called to do. The $15 registration fee includes lunch and all activities.

The deadline to register is November 6th. Please contact Carol Smith to register, 757-850-5900, 757-876-4217, or jdamazon@aol.com.

Equipping the Saints - Cancelled

2010-10-20T13:50:00.001-04:00

The Resource Committee met yesterday afternoon and reviewed submitted registrations for Equipping the Saints scheduled for November 6, 2010. Regrettably, registrations were not sufficient to warrant holding such a large and outstanding event. We have decided to cancel Equipping the Saints.

We learned much from the registrations we did receive, however, and are looking at ways to present desired topics in a less formal setting in the future.

The Resource Center looks forward to serving your ministries in the days to come.

World Communion: A Children's Sermon

2010-10-14T19:28:00.000-04:00

Jacqui Horton, Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, has written and presented many sermons and programs for children. Her enthusiasm and creativity shine through in everything she does. Let's take a peek at one of Jacqui's recent children's sermons about World Communion Day...

"Look around you. Looks like something special might happen today. What do you think is going to happen? We’re going to celebrate Communion, or the Lord’s Supper.

Let’s get a better look shall we? Come with me and gather round close so we can examine these beautiful, wonderful smelling loaves of bread. (Children are asked to smell hot rolls fresh from the oven Yummmm) When you smell the aroma of fresh baked bread what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? “I want to eat some!”

And if you’re really hungry you might get excited while anticipating the taste to come. You know this is going to be good because you have eaten home baked bread before right? Your mouth might start watering, right? That’s because your senses of smell and taste trigger memories.

I selected breads that come from different countries, different parts of the world. Let’s see if you can guess which countries these breads represent. (Holding up a loaf of French bread) “Do you know what kind of bread this is?”
“Is it Italian?” “No.”
“Is it American?” “No.”
“I know, it’s from Subway!” “No, good guess though. It is not from the country of Subway! It’s a loaf of French bread, from the country of France.”

Here we have some German rye and pumpernickel, middle-eastern flat bread, naan from India, Mexican corn tortillas, Italian bread, sourdough bread from California, and even Irish soda bread which I couldn’t find at the store so I made it myself. Since I’m Irish and Scottish, and because we have some friends visiting from Northern Ireland today, I just had to have some on our World breads table today. They’re the Montgomeries and I can hardly wait to meet them because my mother was a Montgomery, too. Small world huh?

Did you notice the kaftan I’m wearing? My friend, Peggy brought this to me from the mid east. Do you recognize the batik table cloth? It was made by women from the Congo, our sister church in Africa. Why do you think I brought these out today?

It’s because Christians all over the world are celebrating Communion, the Lord’s Supper today. When we break and eat bread today you can bet that others across seas in every direction are doing the same thing. All day and even while we are sleeping Christians of every denomination will be celebrating the Lord’s supper. Why? Because Jesus asked us to break bread and eat bread to help us remember him. It’s kind of a memory trigger cause when we eat it, we remember what Jesus said, “This is my body take and eat, do this in remembrance of me.” And the bread is for everyone all over the world who claim that Jesus is Lord and Savior. Isn’t that wonderful?

Let us pray...
Thank you, God for our daily bread. Thank you for the bread of life, we call Jesus. We can’t wait, to taste your goodness. Amen."

If you'd like to share more lessons using bread and other biblical foods, check out this book available at the Resource Center...

Milk and Honey Cooking School:

Learning the History of God's People through Cooking and Eating

by Daphna Flegal and LeeDell Strickler

This resource walks the presenters through the history of God's people from Adam's first bite of the forbidden fruit to the breaking of the bread at the Last Supper in Jerusalem. Every event that happened to God's people made an impact on their lives, and that included the food.

Milk and Honey provides detailed instruction on how to set up the event and how to involve not only adults, but also children in the final presentation. While learning about the events that impacted the Hebrew people, the participants will get to sample such foods as Abraham's Goat Cheese Dip, Unleavened Bread, Esau's Pottage, Challah Braid, Grecian Honey Cheesecake, and Roman Bread Pudding. In addition to the foods, the presenters will instruct the class in the social etiquette as well as the right and wrong way to eat with bread as one's utensil.

Book Review and A Reminder

2010-10-12T19:33:00.000-04:00

“Strategic Leadership for a Change:

Facing Our Losses, Finding Our Future”
by Kenneth J. McFayden

a book review from Billy Ricketts,

Congregational Ministries CLP, Second Presbyterian, Norfolk

My first instinct when seeing that this book was written by a Dean from a seminary was that it would be steeped in academic language and probably written from a perspective that was far from reality. On the contrary, McFayden’s book manages to clarify the reason for dysfunctional church behavior that most church leaders have experienced firsthand.

When the author talks about church loss (the loss of members; pastors & staff; traditions; status in the community; stability; identity; confidence and energy for ministry) he is describing what so many are experiencing in the Presbyterian Church USA.

The author strikes close to home when he muses that we all want quick resolution to every problem in the church. In many cases, we simply want to pay someone to provide the “silver bullet” that will make our youth group thrive or our praise band sound like they’re from Hillsong. The reality is that change is never quite that simple…

McFayden builds his book on the premise that the one thing that that the church fears the most is “change”. His quote that “the only person who likes change is a wet baby” screams volumes about us!

We say that we yearn for growth in our churches (especially the addition of young families) and that we’ll do almost anything to see it happen (even adding a contemporary service). However, the reality is that “change” way too often results in a number of folks either leaving the church or staying when they should leave.

The first few chapters of the book are quite helpful in identifying exactly what has really happened in the culture and environment where un-welcomed change has occurred. The final chapters offer practical advice aimed at helping churches recover from loss and change.

At the end of each chapter, there are a series of practical questions that would be quite helpful for congregations and their leaders to consider as they ponder the past, present and future of their church.

While this book is fabulous for armchair psychologists, I would strongly suggest that it become mandatory reading for any church leader who is on a path for substantive change in their church (interim ministry, massive change in worship style, etc.). Please do yourself a favor and read through this VERY informative book!

Ken McFayden, Dean of The Center for Ministry and Leadership Development and Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development at Union Presbyterian Seminary, is the keynote speaker and a workshop leader for Equipping the Saints: Resources for a Vibrant Church, on Saturday, November 6, at First Presbyterian Church, Norfolk. Register online today for this inspiring event!

Cokesbury Tent Sale

2010-10-07T21:48:00.000-04:00

Cokesbury Fall Tent Sale

Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9

Store opens at 10:00am

Save 50% to 75%!

KNELL'S RIDGE SQUARE
805 BATTLEFIELD BLVD. N., SUITE 119
CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320-4878
Phone: 757-312-0084

Blessing of the Animals at Hidenwood PC

2010-10-02T20:57:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful morning for the Blessing of the Animals at Hidenwood Presbyterian in Newport News!

Pastor Bill Lamont led this special outdoor worship service for our best friends.

The service featured lovely music and meditations made complete with a little responsive ~~reading~~ woofing and meowing.

Each animal was individually blessed and received a special certificate of blessing with a collar medallion.

Treats for all followed the service... cider and baked goods for the caregivers, and treats of liver, salmon, pumpkin-apple, or even cheese straws for their best buds.

Prayerfully considering an Animal Blessing service at your church? The Resource Center can help! The following resources contain inspiration for planning this special service for animals and those who love them...

Blessing the Animals:

Prayers and Ceremonies

to Celebrate God's Creatures,

Wild and Tame,

by Lynn Caruso

All God's Creatures:
The Blessing of
Animal Companions,
by Debra K. Farrington

Sneak Peek...

2010-09-30T19:34:00.000-04:00

Sshhhhh! Don't tell anyone... I'm going to give you a sneak peek of our new Advent resources before the Educators Luncheon next Thursday...

Makin' Room in the Inn: Christmas Hospitality Through an African American Experience, by Henry Masters.

Makin' Room in the Inn is a four-lesson Advent study that celebrates Christmas traditions and practice through the perspective of an African American family.

Session titles, scriptures
1. Makin' Room (Luke 2:4-7) cultivating and living out hospitality in a diverse world
2. Makin' Do (Luke 2:21-24) trusting God as compared to trusting in wealth
3. Makin' Up (Matthew 2:19-21) learning the importance of forgiveness and reconnection
4. Makin' Time (Luke 2:15-19) understanding that the most precious gift is presence.

Christmas Gifts that Won't Break
Advent studies for adults, youth, and children

This study explores how the gifts of the Advent season have a permanence that speaks to generations of youth past, present, and future. What are the Christmas gifts that won’t break? They are those gifts that cannot be lost, that never go out of style, and that are independent of the chances and changes of life. They are the gifts that have been graciously given by God.

Meeting the Messiah: Scriptures for the Advent Season, by Kara Lassen Oliver.

Six weeks of short readings and guided reflections on scripture that help readers journey through Advent at a different pace and with a purposeful focus on the Christ child. The readings tell the Advent story through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, John the Baptist, Mary, the shepherds, the Magi, and Jesus himself. Readers step into the shoes of those who prepared for and encountered the Christ child, providing inspiration for their own encounters with Jesus this Advent.

The Christmas Countdown: Creating 25 Days of New Advent Traditions for Families

Advent is the season of preparation for our King, who came as a child over 2,000 years ago. The shepherds and wise men followed a star and their hearts to visit this new baby and present gifts that demonstrated their love. In a world and time that easily robs us of this profound joy of renewal at every turn, The Christmas Countdown provides devotional times with Scripture readings, and music and food with other fun family activities. The book is tailored to help families prepare their hearts and homes for Christ's coming.

From Advent's Alleluia to Easter's Morning Light: Poetry for Worship, Study and Devotion, by Ann Weems.

Weems’s lyrical poetry is a reminder to us all of the importance of true discipleship. She challenges us to look past the ongoing distractions of the “busy work” of church meetings and socials, new programs and technology, and inevitable conflict, while reminding us in her singularly expressive voice that the “institution” of the church is, at heart, quite simply all about Jesus.

Ok, that's just a small glimpse of all the wonderful Advent materials available at the Resource Center... stop by and do some browsing as you prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ child.

Contemplative Retreat in November

2010-09-27T17:28:00.000-04:00

Some wonderful members of Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church on the Eastern Shore shared with me the following information about an upcoming contemplative retreat. Prayerfully consider freeing up your calendar on these days for some quiet, some creativity, some refreshment...

Seeking Wholeness Amidst Transition
An Eastern Shore Autumn Contemplative Retreat
November 13-14, 2010

With fall and the shortening days comes a natural turning within,

a quieting, and perhaps also an awareness of what is shifting in our lives,

or perhaps even ending.

Amidst the transitions that are part of any year’s cycle,

there is also the desire to be reminded of that which is

foundational and core for each of us,

our “homeground.”

A contemplative retreat is a wonderful way to gently and safely enter into these questions. During this weekend of quiet time, artwork, presentations, journaling, community, walks in nature, delicious meals, and more, we will explore:
    - Sensing and navigating transitions
    - Identifying our homeground, our sources of strength
    - Using vulnerability as a tool for all seasons of the spirit
    - Realizing wholeness is an ongoing dance among all the above.

The location is the incomparable Cobb Island Station retreat center just north of Cape Charles. This expansive and soulful facility offers a beautiful waterfront setting, grounds for strolling, a labyrinth, hot-tub, and very comfortable accommodations and meeting rooms. Limited accommodations are available for overnight lodging. Spaces are also available for retreat participation during Saturday only, or during both Saturday and Sunday.

Dates:   9:00am Saturday, November 13th, till 2:00pm Sunday, November 14th.

Information/registration:    http://www.esva.net/~dryon/retreat.htm
Registration deadline: Tuesday November 2, 2010.
Debbie Ryon 710-4661 or dryon@verizon.ne t.

Rates:
Full weekend, with overnight accommodation, materials and all meals:
     Double: $225 Private:  $275
Saturday only, materials & meals through dinner, no overnight accommodation:
     $75
Saturday & Sunday, materials & meals through dinner, no overnight accommodation:
     $125
Friday night extension (7 pm arrival for evening quiet time, no dinner)
     Double: add $50, Private: add $75

Cricut at the Resource Center

2010-09-22T21:29:00.000-04:00

Ever try to cut perfect letters for your Stewardship or Advent bulletin board?

What about all those stars you'd like to hang from the ceiling

in your Sunday School room?

Need to create tags for your church's Angel Tree?

Or maybe some 10-inch high vinyl letters for special event signage?

If so, you know how tedious this can be...

and how difficult it can be to cut the pieces precisely!

The Resource Center can help! Make an appointment with Donna Rae, load up your tote bag with the paper of your choice, and let's start cutting with Cricut®, the personal electronic cutter that allows you to get amazing creative results with the touch of a button.

It's a ~~snap~~, er, a chirp!

Equipping the Saints

2010-09-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

Just one of the exciting workshops offered at the upcoming Equipping the Saints event:

Music in Reforned Worship

"What Pastors and Musicians

should know about each other

and are afraid to ask:

Moving beyond assumptions"

We will explore practices that in working effectively together

the pastor can help the musician think theologically

and the music can help the pastor think musically

to the benefit of the worshiping congregation

Presented by Alan Barthel and Ernest Gardner:

Alan Barthel has been the Executive Director of PAM for the last ten years. Prior to that he was the St. Andrew Professor of Liturgy and Music at the University of Toronto. He is Past President of the North American Academy of Liturgy and currently secretary of the international liturgical society Societas Liturgica. For the PC(USA) he served on the Sacraments Committee and is an advisor to the committee working on the new hymnal.

Ernest has been a minister member of PEVA since 2004. He first became aware of PAM as a graduate voice student at the University of North Texas while a member of Highland Park Presbyterian in Dallas, Texas. Since then he has been part of several conversations about what pastors and musicians should know about each other, but were afraid to ask ... until now.

Have you registered for Equipping the Saints yet? It's on Saturday, November 6th, at First Presbyterian, Norfolk, beginning at 8:30am. Take time to get your registration in this week, either online or in the mail. The keynote speaker and workshop offerings are fantastic... you won't want to miss this event!

Freebies!

2010-09-16T20:37:00.001-04:00

Still using VHS tapes? Looking for some inspiration in curriculum samples from seasons past? What about some well-circulated books on Christian education or preaching or faith development? Stop by the Resource Center and 'adopt' some resources for your church!

Webinars

2010-09-13T17:25:00.000-04:00

web·i·nar noun, often capitalized \ˈwe-bə-ˌnär\ a live online educational presentation during which participating viewers can submit questions and comments. (from Merriam-Webster)

The PC (USA) website offers webinars on a variety of topics.

The "God’s Mission Matters" webinars from Presbyterian World Mission give you the opportunity to be part of a live, interactive conversation once a month about how to engage more faithfully and effectively in God’s mission. Global partners, mission workers, short-term mission leaders and mission participants are just some of the panelists you’ll find online in the webinars, talking about insightful and practical ways we can participate in mission.

Here is information on a mission webinar offered this week:

Hit the brakes!
Moving away from a problem-solving approach to mission
September 15, 2010 · 1-2 p.m. Eastern Time

      "As Christians, how are we invited into God’s mission of bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people? We are called to acts of compassion, but what does that look like? This Hit the brakes! webinar will explore what happens when we move towards partnership and accompaniment in God’s mission, recognizing that mission relationships with brothers and sisters near and far can be more important than a task accomplished or a problem fixed.
     Three experts will guide our conversation:
• Dr. Doug Tilton, PC(USA) mission co-worker and regional liaison for Southern Africa;
• The Rev. Wil Howie, founder and director of Living Waters for the World; and
• The Rev. Elizabeth McLean, associate pastor for mission and evangelism, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.
     Webinars are interactive forums where you’ll be able to “chime in” with questions, comments and stories. Join us on September 15 to take part in the conversation!" Click here for more information and to register.

Other upcoming webinars include "Minneapolis to Washington!: Actions of the General Assembly and their Impact on Upcoming Legislation" offered on September 16th from the General Assembly Mission Council, Office of Public Witness; and "Earth Care Congregations and How ENERGY STAR Can Help" offered on October 6th from the GAMC Environmental Ministries.

Try a webinar... it's educational, it's free, and it requires no travel!

Educators Luncheon

2010-09-10T10:19:00.000-04:00

Fall is in the air,

which means it's time for the Educators Luncheons to begin again!

Thursday, October 7th

12:00 noon

Advent in Autumn

The Resource Center will welcome you with lots of

new and classic Advent materials to check out,

a chance to use the Cricut for cutting stars and angels and snowflakes,

and a wonderful time of fellowship

with Christian educators from around our Presbytery.

Lunch, with a side of inspiration and encouragement, will be provided...

all you need to do is RSVP before Monday, October 4th,

to Donna Rae Barrow, Resource Center Director,

397-7063, or donnarae@pcusa-peva.org.

New Resources!

2010-09-07T10:39:00.000-04:00

New at the Resource Center...

All-in-One Bible Fun - The perfect children's program for teachers on a budget or who are looking for a simpler approach. Packed with everything you need, lesson preparation will be a snap. Each book has 13 lessons with your choice of arrival activities, a Bible story, a Bible verse and a prayer, games and crafts, and reproducible pages all based on a clear message stated in words your children can understand. Children will explore Bible stories from new perspectives; develop a love for, and a relationship with, the Bible; come to know the Bible as THEIR book; learn and play together.

This series contains the following titles: Favorite Bible Stories, Heroes of the Bible, Stories of Jesus, and Fruit of the Spirit. These titles are available for Preschool and for Elementary children.

Ready to Go: Missions - Whether a youth leader wants to take a youth group down the street or out of the country, the leader will find something in this book to help with the planning and programming of the trip. This is a very hands-on, practical handbook for anyone wanting to lead a mission trip.

Included are six short-term local projects and six week-long, greater-distance trips. Each mission includes project descriptions, destination ideas, travel and cost helps, small-group discussion guides, plans for following up after the trip, and suggestions for getting the whole church involved in the youth mission trip.

Samples and reproducible pages are included.

Ready to Go: Service Projects - This book explains to youth workers the theory behind service-learning, helps them identify meaningful but easy-to-do projects that will make a difference in their community, gives them practical tips on incorporating reflection and relationship-building into their service projects, and shows them how service-learning can change young lives.

This is a very practical, hands-on book filled with information about developing a "Service-Learning" environment with youth ministry. The second part entitled 'Readying Your Hands" includes Easy-to-use sessions that you can use for exploring the value of service, what Scripture has to say, what gifts each person in your group brings to service, as well as for understanding your group and beginning to explore the community. The third part in called "Hands in Action" and includes sample service project ideas, reflection questions, prayers, Scriptures, stories about youth in service, and resources for further study.

The fourth part includes reproducible pages to reinforce the "service-learning" idea.

Ready to Go: Devotions - This book provides devotions for before, during, and after a mission trip or service project. The CD-ROM gives you all of the devotions in a digital format along with resources to help you create custom devotional books for your youth and their parents.

The topics include hospitality, cultural differences, evangelism, humility, sacrifice, homesickness, cultural differences, language barriers, and thanksgiving.

Each devotion ties together three elements: Scripture, the mission or service experience, and life back home. Students are challenged not just to read the devotions but also to respond to them through writing, reflection, and prayer. By working through the devotions, students should be able to think about their experiences and start their days better equipped for service.

Children First: Worshipping with the Family of God - This book is a how-to guide for family worship services designed specifically for children and their families. Within the worship service, the children have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles and creative elements such as art, drama, songs, storytelling, current events, poetry, and prayer reinforce a central theme while helping children connect with God.

The elements of worship include: Gathering and Prelude; Group Singing; Opening Prayer; Sign of the Day; Good News; Expression of Faith; Puppet Scripts; We Believe; Gloria Patri; Musical Call to Prayer; The Lord's Prayer; Musical Prayer Response; Teaching Moment; Offertory; Doxology; Benediction among other elements. There is a complete worship service for each month in the book as well as all the music on an included CD-ROM.

Barbara Bruce considers this book "a must-have for churches who want to nourish children in the faith."

We Believe curriculum samples on display, too!

Teach them to your children,

talking about them when you are at home and when you are away,

when you lie down and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 11:19

The Giving Garden at Yorkminster Presbyterian

2010-09-02T18:28:00.000-04:00

Are you looking to feed the hungry by involving members of your church in a hands-on project? Does your church have a little plot of grass that requires mowing and watering but serves no real purpose? Let me share with you an inspiring story from Yorkminster...

In 2006, while co-pastor at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church, Jenny Russell and a small group of church members approached the Session about using the vacant field near the Fellowship Center to plant vegetables to give to low income families on the peninsula. Jenny contacted LINK (Living Interfaith Network) in Newport News, to ask the director if there was a need for fresh vegetables. The director, Lynne Finding, was thrilled at the prospect, and the YPC Giving Garden was born.

Years one and two were filled with the hard work of turning very poor soil into a productive garden, with load after load of compost spread and tilled in. The first year's harvest was not worth mentioning, and the second year saw slightly better results, most of them consumed by local deer, geese, crows, and other varmints. Year three has been amazing thus far! Under the watchful eye of "the king of gardeners" Russ McMillen, we have been able to deliver several hundred bags (well over a thousand pounds) of vegetables to LINK and the Peninsula Food Bank. Individuals and groups volunteer to pick and deliver the produce 2-3 days a week.

We plant lettuce, spinach, collards, mustard greens, asparagus, onions, radishes, yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, okra, radishes, five varieties of tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, and two kinds of green beans. We have tried to use "biologically sustainable" methods (synthetic pest control only when absolutely necessary). The garden provides fresh food to people who often cannot afford to buy it. It has been particularly helpful to a number of veterans with diabetes, who cannot eat canned vegetables because of the high sodium content. Best of all, it allows us to fulfill Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25: "I was hungry and you gave me food..." in a physical and personal way. The Giving Garden has given us far more than it has required!

APCE 2011 Annual Event

2010-08-31T11:22:00.000-04:00

It's time to start planning for The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators annual event!

Walking in Balance

with conference speaker, Rick Ufford-Chase,

co-director of Stony Point Center, and executive director of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship,

and conference music director, Rev. Corry Nelson.

Beautiful surroundings, multiple conference options, Presbyterian Youth Workers Association gathering, and much more in a destination like no other... Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Early bird online registration and downloadable conference books available in September.

Multiple scholarships are available for this event.

Visit apcenet.org for all the details!

Equipping the Saints: Resources for a Vibrant Church

2010-08-24T20:45:00.002-04:00

Go online today to register today for "Equipping the Saints: Resources for a Vibrant Church"!

This event will feature keynote speaker, Ken McFayden, Dean of The Center for Ministry and Leadership Development, Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development, Union PSCE, and author of "Strategic Leadership for a Change: Facing our Losses, Finding our Future".

There are three workshop sessions in five different tracks: Worship, Discipleship, Mission, Administration, and MARS. No need to stick with one track... for example, why not try 'Wee Worship' in Session 1, 'Seasons of Change: Navigating Transitions' in Session 2, and 'Communication... Google's Tools' in Session 3? Even better, make sure several members of your church attend so that each workshop is attended! Enjoy a lovely lunch at midday and finish the day sharing your discoveries at Roundtable with other participants.

ETS will offer several Learning Centers as well: Hunger Action and Peacemaking, Zuni Peanuts, Contemplative Worship and much more. The Resource Center will share some of the non-book items at a special Petting Zoo... your opportunity to try on a yoke, play with puppets, or bang a drum.

The registration fee of $10 must be received by October 26th to guarantee your lunch, so register online and submit the registration fee to the attention of Donna Rae Barrow, Resource Center Director, PEVA. We're looking forward to seeing YOU on November 6th!

Weeding at the Resource Center

2010-08-20T20:38:00.000-04:00

Weeding? At the Resource Center? What does that mean?

Well, it doesn't mean that we've replaced our bookshelves with raised beds and our books with overgrown plants! 'Weeding' in any library or Resource Center is similar to garden weeding, though.

On Thursday, a dedicated group of 5 volunteers from First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, arrived. They came in with smiling faces, generous hearts and willing hands.

Those willing hands touched almost every item on every shelf in our Resource Center, checking for damage, stains, wear, duplicates, outdated formats, and superseded information. Each item was checked and studied, sometimes by more than one volunteer.

This 'weeding' process helps to refresh our shelves and make room for new resources, keeping our collection of resources current and inviting.

The Resource Center would like to extend a big...

Thank You!!!

...to the energetic and motivated volunteers from First Virginia Beach for spending the day 'weeding'!

PS: We feed volunteers, so prayerfully consider sharing your time helping out in the Resource Center!

PC USA Symbol by Rev. Dr. Keith Curran

2010-08-17T17:06:00.000-04:00

Recently, Keith Curran created this fun video to explain the meaning of the Presbyterian cross to youth. It was such a great teaching tool that we're sharing it here on the blog... Enjoy!

New Resources Arriving Weekly

2010-08-16T21:29:00.002-04:00

New titles arrive weekly in the Resource Center... have you stopped by lately? Whether you're looking for a book of devotions to enhance your quiet time with God, youth group service project ideas, quick and easy reproducible lessons for preschoolers, or the new Presbyterian curriculum for adults, "Being Reformed," the Resource Center has something for you!

Here are two new resources that would be great for small groups or small group leaders:

As the author says in his Introduction, "This book is not about sacrifice and service as we have so often been taught. On the contrary, this book is about the joy of giving back that which was built and created in us to be given back from the beginning. Not only does that make us useful; it also makes us valuable because it is how we are wired up. It is just that in the process of trying to accomplish so many other things in this world, things that the word has defined as important or necessary, we forget about the "one other thing" that was supposed to give us the most joy, the most presence, and the most purpose."

No matter what we have done or have left undone in this world, our purpose and potential still rest in that "something" that God has so beautifully crafted inside of us. This book is about finding that "something" in your life and about facing the challenges and obstacles when the need - and frankly, the expectation - to accomplish everything comes along. Not only will you realize that feeling you have to do everything is not how God intended for his grace to unfold in your life, but hopefully you will discover also how such a philosophy works against the biblical model for how the entire church is supposed to work in the first place.

The real need for our world is not that we do every part; it's that we just do our part. And working together to do that something God calls us to do - all of us working together - we will transform the world."
This book includes a Discussion and Reflection Guide with Daily Challenges for the participant.

. . . . .

     This book is designed to train and coach the small group leader to help her/his group move beyond its borders and into the lives of those around everyone so that the small group can make a difference. It is filled with creative and practical suggestions (for example, 21 spiritual disciplines are discussed) for becoming intentionally involved with the community and bringing Jesus's message and healing to a hurting world.
      Appendix A is a thirteen-step process to help a group experiment and learn how to be missional along the way. It is a way for the group to reflect on and discuss what they heard God saying about the call of the group. This process depends upon the group listening to the Spirit of God and to the Scriptures. It is not a process of simply going out and doing something. It takes 12 - 15 weeks to go through this process. Appendix B is a bibliography of key resources for missional small groups.
      "This is a must-read for anyone interested in living out small group life within the church for the sake of the world", said Craig Van Gelder, professor congregational mission, Luther Seminary. Rick Howerton commented, "Wow! This one volume is the new guide for understanding missional community, being a missional community, and creating missional communities."
      This book is the follow-up to "Introducing the Missional Church: What It Is, Why It Matters, How to Become One" written by M. Scott Boren and Alan J. Roxburgh. It is located in the Resource Center at BK C02 302.

. . . . .

Check out the Resource Center online catalog for lots of new (or favorite classic) titles today!

Rally Day Idea from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

2010-08-12T23:33:00.000-04:00

Rally Day is fast approaching. Do you have a plan? Beth Lyon-Suhring shared the following idea at the PEVA Educators' Luncheon in the spring and it was ALL THE BUZZ...

"St. Andrew had done Rally Day in much the same way since Moses was a lad, and to be honest, things were a little dull. More of our certificates of promotion ended up in the recycling bin than in family scrapbooks, and our adult class leaders had resorted to offering pastries as lures to their upcoming classes. It was time for a change, and in 2009 St. Andrew’s Church School Council dreamed up the idea of a Rally Day Scavenger Hunt.

Here’s how it worked: at the beginning of the Church School hour on Rally Day, all members of the church were encouraged to gather in the Sanctuary. There we sang a couple of upbeat songs and gave thanks to God for the opportunity to start our new year of learning. We then explained the rules of our Scavenger Hunt and sent everyone out to work in groups of 3-4 people. The groups were self-selecting, but we encouraged each group to include some adults and some children. Some folks decided to work with their own families, and others made new families that day.

Each group received a Scavenger Hunt sheet and a pencil as they left the Sanctuary. The sheets consisted of a grid of 16 blocks, each of which had a question and a room number on it. Questions referred to many different educational programs in the church, and the room numbers indicated the places where teams could find an “Answer Person” to help them fill in the correct response. For instance, one of the questions asked, “How many chimes are there in our Chancel Chimes set?” and the room number led the players to a classroom where someone involved with our midweek music class could give the answer and provide a lot of other information on midweek programming for children. Other scavenger hunt questions were concerned with Sunday morning adult classes, Wednesday night youth programming, and St. Andrew’s small group ministry, to name just a few.

The key to the success of Rally Day last year was that all players were required to touch base with 16 different teachers/leaders/staff members to answer the scavenger hunt questions, and in the process each player learned a lot about the church’s educational offerings as well. Older adults learned about our children’s programming; young parents learned about what the church offers for youth; and kids learned that there are a lot of opportunities for grown-ups to learn, too.

Since teams could start at any block on the scavenger hunt grid, folks were spread throughout the church as the hour progressed. When each team had answered all 16 questions, they took their completed sheets to two very good sports dressed in Old Testament garb. These “Judges of Israel” checked the grids for correct answers and then allowed the children and teenagers to choose a prize from our treasure chests. (Since prizes were for completed grids rather than for the first teams to finish, people felt free to stay in the classrooms and talk with the “Answer People” for as long as they wanted.) The morning ended with breakfast treats for everyone in our social hall.

Our Rally Day Scavenger Hunt had multiple positive results: adults, youth, and children worked together on a fun multi-generational event; participants’ eyes were opened to many educational opportunities that they had not realized were available; program leaders and class teachers were able to disseminate information about their programs in a very personal way; and the children, especially, liked the game atmosphere. We’re eagerly planning our 2010 Scavenger Hunt now!"

Day Aside Retreat

2010-08-11T08:14:00.003-04:00

Day Aside Retreat

Date: Aug 14, 2010
Time: From 9:00 am until 12:00 pm
Location: Center for Prayer and Spiritual Growth

800 Colonial Avenue

Norfolk, VA 23507

Practicing the Presence of God

(based on the practices of Brother Lawrence)

Facilitators: Peggy Gatje and Robin Cowherd

Take time Saturday, August 14th, to let your soul come out and delight in the presence of Christ. This retreat will offer you a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to meditate on God's Word, to pray and to hear Christ speak. Peggy and Robin will help guide this sacred time with God.

Morning Aside Retreats are held every Second Saturday of the Month from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at The Center for Prayer and Spiritual Growth, 800 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk VA. Join a group of fellow travelers for a morning of guided meditations, teachings, silence and solitude. These themed mini-retreats offer a way to break the cycle of busyness and recharge your soul. One of our experienced facilitators will provide you with a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to meditate on God's Word, to pray and to hear Christ speak. Contact Kristine Rand for more information or to register, kristine@fpcnorfolk.org or 757-625-1697 ext. 303.

The Golden Rule: a book review by Lisa Cross

2010-08-09T11:24:00.003-04:00

"What a joy to read about the tie that binds the peoples of this world together instead of the differences that unravel us in such destructive ways. Entitled The Golden Rule, this book’s marvelous cover drew me in and the story line insisted I purchase it. Christians, Buddhists, American Indians, Jews, Muslims all have very similar versions of “The Golden Rule” in their traditions. This charming story of a boy and his grandfather exploring these versions, discussing how each person can concretely live “The Golden Rule”, and talking about the ramifications if everyone did practice his/her tradition’s “Golden Rule” is for all ages. Whether you use it as a starting point for a discussion with a Sunday School class, for the Children’s Sermon, or for a special child in your own life, The Golden Rule is just the book you need to teach important concepts such as peace, friendship, hospitality, and agape love. Adults will appreciate it as much, if not more, than children because of its message and its beautiful illustrations."
The Golden Rule was written by Ilene Cooper and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. More information about this book and its author is available on the author's website. The Golden Rule is available in the PEVA Resource Center.

Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today

2010-08-04T21:04:00.001-04:00

from the Horizons webpage...

2010–2011 Horizons Bible Study

Journeys Through Revelation
Apocalyptic Hope for Today
by Barbara R. Rossing

Suggestions for Leaders
by Louise Lawson Johnson

"What comes to mind when you think of the book of Revelation? Scary images? The four horsemen come to unleash destruction? Mysterious numbers such as “666”? The endtime battle of Armageddon? In recent years, an enormous prophecy industry has marketed frightening images of Revelation, leaving many people intimidated by this amazing and often misunderstood book. Although brimming with mysterious symbolism, Revelation ultimately is a book of hope that throughout history has sustained people who are oppressed. It is a wonderfully Christ centered book, full of worship and praise.

In the 2010–2011 Horizons Bible study, Journeys through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today, Barbara Rossing guides us on a journey to meet the crucified Lamb, Jesus. In a journey reminiscent of the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery, we are led from an unjust empire and its system of domination, through mythic battles and plagues, until, ultimately, we find ourselves in a renewed creation where God comes to live with us on earth. This brilliantly hope filled vision speaks to us in the midst of the urgent crises of our day. In a time when all of creation stands at a turning point, a kairos moment, Revelation can help guide the choices we make each day as we seek to live into the renewal that God has for the whole world."

This is sure to be a great study for the Presbyterian Women of PEVA! When you visit the Horizons page on the PC USA website, you'll find so many helpful resources for the women of your church as they embark on this journey. These include: Workshop for Leaders, Suggestions for Leaders, Main Points Outline, Lesson Summaries, and much more. Especially exciting this year, Barbara Rossing has recorded videos to introduce the study and each of its lessons. View the videos on your computer to prepare for the Revelation study, or share them with your PW group as the opening to each of the lessons. The PEVA Resource Center also has several titles to assist you in lesson preparation... just contact Donna Rae Barrow to find out more!

Welcome to RE:source!

2010-07-30T12:18:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the new blog for the Resource Center of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia! This will be an exciting place to visit! Frequently updated, this blog will feature new and reviewed items available for check-out in the PEVA Resource Center, programs and ideas from around our presbytery, and helpful destinations on the world-wide web!

So, what exactly is a blog? From Wiktionary:

Noun

blog (plural blogs)

(Internet) website that allows users to reflect, share opinions, and discuss various topics in the form of an online journal while readers may comment on posts. Entries typically appear in reverse chronological order.

And you keep up with the blog... how? You may subscribe to RE:source using Google Reader, Bloglines, or other web-based personal news aggregator; this method is especially helpful if you follow lots of blogs/sites as they can be managed in one place. You may subscribe by e-mail, choosing to receive an e-mail when this blog has been updated with a new post. You may also choose to become a follower of this blog, telling us and other readers that you are a fan of RE:source. All you have to do is click on one of the gadgets on the sidebar to the right and follow the directions... it's that easy!

What about the section in the right sidebar titled, "The Web"? Great resources! These are links to websites of interest to clergy, to educators, to Presbyterians, to YOU! Click on one and begin exploring.

You've added the Daily Lectionary AND Bible Gateway? Yep, these two features are goodies for you! Follow the Lectionary as part of your daily meditation or search the Word using Bible Gateway directly from RE:source with a simple click.

NOW, bookmark this page, become a follower, subscribe, leave a comment and tell your friends... RE:source is PEVA's newest beacon of light!

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light.

Isaiah 9:2