Resources
Free Workshop Modules
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Christian Educators now offers free workshop modules on teaching skills, basic bible and reformed theology courses electronically or online for volunteer teachers and leaders through Opening Doors to Discipleship (secure login code: 31627). For more information, contact the Office of Christian Education — email Vennie Constant or Candace Hill, or call (888) 728-7228, x5460 or x5166.
Sabbath Sabbatical Support Grants
Beginning January 1, 2008, the Board of Pensions will provide
stipends of up to $3,000 toward sabbaticals for eligible pastors serving churches
of fewer than 200 members. Learn more about
the Sabbath Sabbatical Support Grants program.
Association of Presbyterian Tent Makers
Tentmakers follow the path of the Apostle Paul, the first "Tentmaker.” Making
tents as a living, he proclaimed the Gospel in every city and village
he visited. Believing that "God … has appointed a time for every
matter, and for every work" (Ecclesiastes 3:17), tentmakers serve churches
and Christian communities across the globe. Learn
more about Tent Makers.
Making Poverty History: Hunger Education Activities that Work!
This collection of skits, simulations and worship materials on hunger and
poverty is intended for anyone interested in engaging their congregation and
community on the issue of hunger and poverty.
Orders of up to ten copies are free. 1-99 copies are
$1.00 each plus $5.00 shipping/handling.
Please pre-pay Church World Service, PO. Box 968, Elkhart,
IN 46515. For
more information call (800) 297-1516.
“Fighting poverty — one community at a time”
The November 2007 issue of Presbyterians Today features a story about Presbyterian
congregations who address community-wide poverty related issues through congregational-based
community organizing.
To order a copy of this issue, call (800) 558-1669.
The Daily Yonder
This Web site is
a daily multimedia buffet of rural news, commentary, research and features. The Daily Yonder focuses on the interest and needs of rural communities, and
its goal is to promote a more vigorous and honest debate about the life, culture
and social issues of rural America.
Interfaith Worker Justice offers resources
Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) has developed resources to be used in worship.
Labor in the Pulpits/on
the Bimah/in the Minbar — Worship resources
for celebrating the sacred link between faith, work and justice.
For You Were Once
a Stranger — A new immigration toolkit to help people
of faith reflect on what their religious traditions say about immigrations and
engage in meaningful action for creating a just and humane immigration program.
2007 Hunger and Homelessness Survey
A copy of the U.S. Conference of Mayors 2007 Hunger and Homelessness Survey is available on the the United States Conference of Mayors Web site.
And Two Shall Become One
by Mariko Yanagihara
This booklet is a valuable resource for small congregations considering a merger.
Developing Mission Partnership
by Phil Tom
This resource brief will provide your congregation with some helpful guidance if you are considering developing a mission partnership with another congregation, with your community or a community agency.
Presbyterian Resources for Worker Justice
This document highlights the scriptural imperative that all work is to have integrity and ensure that all workers are treated with justice.
Metro/Urban Ministry Sunday
Use this packet for ideas on how to celebrate Metro/Urban Ministry Sunday, July 27.
Homelessness and Affordable Housing Sunday
Use this packet for ideas on how to celebrate Homelessness and Affordable Housing Sunday, August 10.
Spiritual Vitality Through Cooperative Ministry
Many small churches are enhancing their ministry and mission by working cooperatively. This resource provides guidance to churches and presbyteries that are considering cooperative ministry. The discernment process and initial organization are described. A Bible Study to undergird these processes is included as well as five models of cooperative ministry.
$3.00 • PDS #2331608001
Vital Signs of Urban Congregations
The Urban Ministry Office has produced a new resource, Vital
Signs of Urban Congregations. This book lifts up the stories of twelve urban
congregations that have experienced significant transformation in ministering
with their congregational members and communities. This book tells the stories
of the members and pastors of these congregations who wanted to grow in spirit
and to serve God and their neighbors. This is not a "fix-it" or "how
to" book. This is a collection of stories that will hopefully engage, enliven
and stretch your thinking and imagination about ways to strengthen the life and
ministries of urban congregations.
FREE (plus shipping) • PDS #72344-06-001
Living the Vision: Metropolitan/Urban Ministry
Part of the Living the Vision Series, this booklet is a brief primer on Urban/Metropolitan
Ministry and the characteristic of a healthy Urban/Metropolitan congregation
and congregational-based Ministries.
Free • PDS #7231303001
How to Be an Effective Advocate: Making our voices heard!
Produced by
the PC(USA) Washington Office, this resource provides "how-to" techniques
for Presbyterians who wish to successfully advocate public policy positions to
elected officials.
Study this resource online.
Free single downloads available
Free • PDS #7282206001
The Church and the Working Poor
Church & Society Jan/Feb
2003
100 years ago, the Rev. Charles Stelzle was called to New
York to establish The Workingsmen's Department for the Board of Home Missions
of the Presbyterian Church. He later initiated work among immigrants and a variety
of approaches to urban ministry. This issue looks at Stelzle's many contributions
and traces the trajectories of his ministry through the postwar period to the
present day, as the church continues to address the current needs of urban/immigrant/and
working people. Volume 93; Jan/Feb 2003 Issue.
$3.00 • PDS #7263003601
Living the Vision: Rural Ministry — Church and
Community
Part of the Living the Vision series, this booklet is designed to help congregations
and governing bodies discern a vision for ministry in changing rural communities.
A suggested outline for a congregational discernment retreat is included.
Free • PDS #7230900001
We Are What We Eat
A report approved by the 214th General
Assembly (2002)
This report is a survey of concerns and issues affecting
rural communities and churches, a call to the whole PC(USA) to become aware and
involved in these concerns. The recommendations approved by the GA are outlined
and a study guide is included. Download the report.
Free single downloads available
$4.00 • PDS #6860002003
The Agricultural Revolution:
An Invitation to Faithful Action
Church & Society November/December 2004
This particular issue of Church & Society focuses on the agricultural
revolution, the issues surrounding it, and suggested action. It is an excellent
primer for those engaging in study of issues affecting rural America and our
food systems.
$3.00 • PDS #7263004606
Living the Vision: Small Church Ministry
Part of the Living the Vision series, this booklet describes aspects of congregational
life that lead to health and vitality and offers a suggested outline for a congregational
discernment retreat.
Free • PDS #7230800002
New Times — New Call
A Manual of Pastoral Options for Small Churches
This booklet helps presbyteries and congregations explore
new ways to be faithful to Christ’s ministry in their communities and consider
a variety of pastoral leadership options in carrying out their vision and mission.
Free single downloads available
$4.00 • PDS #7231203001
Evangelism in the Small Church
by James E. Cushman
Evangelism is the essence of a vital congregation. This booklet, written by
one who has served small churches as pastor and governing body staff, will guide
a congregation in reaching beyond itself in ministry and mission. One of the
appendices offers a valuable guide for a congregational mission study.
$4.00 • PDS #7231204001
Commissioned Lay Pastor Resource Book
Commissioned Lay Pastors (CLP) across the church are effectively leading smaller
congregations. This resource provides presbyteries and congregations with useful
information and models for CLP programs.
$7.50 • PDS #7221303003
Beyond Survival: Revitalizing the Small Church
by James E.
Cushman
Written by one who has served small churches as pastor and governing body
staff, this book analyzes the question: the small church: problem or opportunity?
A guide to small church revitalization follows the analysis.
$3.00 • PDS #30590110 |
