In 2009 the Sydney Anglicans embarked on Connect 09, with the motto Pray, Connect, Expect. This resulted in an increase of worship attendance of 5% for the year.
Stories, resources and other information available at http://connect09.sydneyanglicans.net/ and http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/connect09
Monday, November 08, 2010
Faith Basics course: notes and audio
The mission of St Thomas Lutheran Church (LCMS) offers a materials for a faith basics course...notes and audio are available for download at
http://www.stl-eastpointe.org/members/faith2.html
http://www.stl-eastpointe.org/members/faith2.html
An easy way to make short animated movies
If you can type there is an easy way to make animated movies using http://www.xtranormal.com
This could be ideal for a short script...to introduce a topic...or even a bible reading
This could be ideal for a short script...to introduce a topic...or even a bible reading
New Confirmation from Sparkhouse (ELCA): ReForm
Sparkhouse has developed a new confirmation program.....
Here's what they say about it....
In more words, that are slightly less simple: re:form is a curriculum comprised of three main components:
•Two DVDs with 40 hilarious animated short films that allow kids to encounter concepts from the historic Christian faith. These videos are designed not only to make kids think, but also to make them laugh. (Yes, we encourage laughter…especially in confirmation class!) You can watch some of our preview videos for re:form confirmation here. Be warned: you might laugh, too.
•The Anti-Workbook, which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s not a fill-in-the-blank, there’s-only-one-answer kind of workbook. In fact, it’s the opposite of that. It’s a place where kids can do activities that get them interacting with each other, and it’s a kind of journal to help them explore tough theological questions in creative ways. Whether they’re drawing, cutting and pasting, writing, or just thinking, the Anti-Workbook inspires kids to go a little deeper with their faith and theology.
•The Leader Guide, which will make you look like a superstar by providing the tools you need to help kids respond. You’ll help facilitate conversations—genuine conversations about what they think…not what you want them to think. Instead of giving them answers (which, let’s face it, a lot of us don’t really have nailed down anyway!), they’ll explore their faith and come to understand what they believe for themselves.
So there you have it. A brief (sort of) look at re:form confirmation.
Here's what they say about it....
We wanted to create something that was engaging for teenagers, but not cheesy. (We love cheese…on crackers, not so much in our churches.) We know that youth today are fully capable of grappling with issues of faith and theology, so we wanted our curriculum to give them room for a good wrestling match. And, of course, we want to help youth leaders any way we can. That’s why we developed a curriculum that lets you lead an interactive confirmation class without a ton of extra work on your end. (You’re welcome!)
So what exactly is re:form confirmation? In three simple words, it’s a way for teens to:
•Encounter.
•Engage.
•Respond.
So what exactly is re:form confirmation? In three simple words, it’s a way for teens to:
•Encounter.
•Engage.
•Respond.
•Two DVDs with 40 hilarious animated short films that allow kids to encounter concepts from the historic Christian faith. These videos are designed not only to make kids think, but also to make them laugh. (Yes, we encourage laughter…especially in confirmation class!) You can watch some of our preview videos for re:form confirmation here. Be warned: you might laugh, too.
•The Anti-Workbook, which is exactly what it sounds like. It’s not a fill-in-the-blank, there’s-only-one-answer kind of workbook. In fact, it’s the opposite of that. It’s a place where kids can do activities that get them interacting with each other, and it’s a kind of journal to help them explore tough theological questions in creative ways. Whether they’re drawing, cutting and pasting, writing, or just thinking, the Anti-Workbook inspires kids to go a little deeper with their faith and theology.
•The Leader Guide, which will make you look like a superstar by providing the tools you need to help kids respond. You’ll help facilitate conversations—genuine conversations about what they think…not what you want them to think. Instead of giving them answers (which, let’s face it, a lot of us don’t really have nailed down anyway!), they’ll explore their faith and come to understand what they believe for themselves.
So there you have it. A brief (sort of) look at re:form confirmation.
For more information visit here
Monday, October 11, 2010
Lutheran and Christian euthanasia discussion and resources
The topic of Euthanasia pops up in the media and in political circles.
Originally euthanasia simply meant 'good death', however the term currently is understood by many to mean 'a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering' (House of Lords select committee on Medical ethics).
The topic is emotional, because a person's suffering is often the reason given for supporting euthanasia.
There is also confusion on what is euthanasia and what is not euthanasia, eg. withdrawing life support from a person, is not considered euthanasia.
Following are some resources to help you and others understand the euthanasia debate and discussion
LUTHERAN RESOURCES AND LINKS
Lutheran Church of Australia CTICR statement
Lutheran Church of Australia CSBQ discussion paper
Various articles and teachings from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Death and dieing: a social statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Ethics and suffering from healing to relief by Dr Richard C Eyer Concordia University Mequon
Lutheran's for life (usa) resources and links
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church
OTHER RELIGIOUS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Statements from various religious bodies relating to Euthanasia
Christian views on Euthanasia and suicide
Religious facts: Euthanasia and Christianity
Christian Life Resources
Beliefnet
OTHER
A summary of the debate from the editor of The Australian
if you wish to suggest any other resources please leave a comment or email me
Originally euthanasia simply meant 'good death', however the term currently is understood by many to mean 'a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering' (House of Lords select committee on Medical ethics).
The topic is emotional, because a person's suffering is often the reason given for supporting euthanasia.
There is also confusion on what is euthanasia and what is not euthanasia, eg. withdrawing life support from a person, is not considered euthanasia.
Following are some resources to help you and others understand the euthanasia debate and discussion
LUTHERAN RESOURCES AND LINKS
Lutheran Church of Australia CTICR statement
Lutheran Church of Australia CSBQ discussion paper
Various articles and teachings from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Death and dieing: a social statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Ethics and suffering from healing to relief by Dr Richard C Eyer Concordia University Mequon
Lutheran's for life (usa) resources and links
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church
OTHER RELIGIOUS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Statements from various religious bodies relating to Euthanasia
Christian views on Euthanasia and suicide
Religious facts: Euthanasia and Christianity
Christian Life Resources
Beliefnet
OTHER
A summary of the debate from the editor of The Australian
if you wish to suggest any other resources please leave a comment or email me
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)