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Recent Arrivals

WESTERN NEW YORK CONFERENCE RESOURCE CENTER

131 JOHN MUIR DRIVE

WEST AMHERST, NEW YORK 14228

PHONE (716) 564-2316   FAX (716) 564-2365

Sheila Rader, Resource Center Coordinator

resource@wnyumc.org

www.wnyumc.org

RECENT ARRIVALS

HOW TO ORDER:

Any UPPER NY CONFERENCE United Methodist Church Group or individual may order and reserve materials from the WNY Conference Resource Center. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. There are no rental fees. You are responsible for returning the videos promptly in person or by media mail. Please call the Conference Office at 716-564-2316 or email resource@wnyumc.org The catalog and updates are available on the website www.wnyumc.org If you do not see what you are looking for; please call the Resource Center Director for assistance.

All featured resources are available for preview or free loan from the WNY Conference Resource Center.

What we need to know: your name, church, address, phone, email, when will you use this resource? When will it be returned?

What you need to do: Call, email, or reserve online.

NEW ARRIVALS

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

THE PRODIGAL GOD DVD & DISCUSSION GUIDE

Two sons, one who kept the rules religiously and one who broke them all.  One father who loved both lost sons beyond anything they could imagine. Discover the Amazing Depths of God’s Extravagant Love

Using his characteristic intellectual approach to faith issues, Timothy Keller uncovers an unexpected message in the familiar---and often misunderstood---New Testament parable of the prodigal son. Seekers and believers will see Christianity in a whole new way when they learn how Christ's followers are supposed to love! Kit includes a 6-session DVD-ROM; hardcover book; participant's guide; preaching resources; and promotional tools.

SESSION TITLES:

THE PARABLE

THE PEOPLE AROUND JESUS

THE TWO LOST SONS

THE ELDER BROTHER

THE TRUE ELDER BROTHER

THE FEAST OF THE FATHER

GREEN CHURCH

Climate change is in the news.  But what does it mean for Christians – and how can they help? Citing Scripture and science, the author weaves in personal stories of Sabbath, gardening, recycling, camping, and the power of faith and challenges us to consider our role in the care of creation and to help save the earth for future generations.

CHANGE THE WORLD BY MIKE SLAUGHTER

Something is not working. Despite the church's place of prominence in American culture and the ubiquity of the church in every American town, misconceptions about the faith of Jesus Christ run rampant today. Christians are known more for exclusivity than for love, more for potlucks than for solving world hunger.
It's time for churches to get over the cruise-ship mentality of being a program provider, and reconnect with the true message and mission of Jesus: to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed. 
Pastor Mike Slaughter challenges church leaders to look at the future of their congregations and make tough but necessary choices. 

• Will you send the church out into the world?
• Will you focus on building disciples or tallying decisions?
• Will you multiply your impact or expand your facilities?
• Will you step out in courage or comply with the status quo?

The answers to these and other questions determine how your church will focus its time, its energy, and its budget to work for real change in a hurting world. 

FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

VEGGIETALES: PISTACHIO

A Lesson in Listening to Your Parents

Once upon a time a lonely toymaker named Gelato carved a little boy out of wood who could walk, talk---and think for himself. But when Pistachio lands in a "whale" of a mess, will he learn that Father knows best? Or will his whole family become fish food? Features the silly song "Where Have All the Staplers Gone?"

A NEW DVD SERIES FROM FROM THE CREATOR OF VEGGIETALES:

Presenting a 13-DVD series from the creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer! Each DVD is filled with original music, animation, puppets, and creative writing that will teach kids about God and his Word.

WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE?: IN THE BEGINNING

Volume 1 introduces kids to the Bible and the book of beginnings, Genesis. Kids will learn about the key people in Genesis and the important lessons their stories teach us. Approximately 45 minutes.

WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE?: LET MY PEOPLE GO

The second DVD introduces kids to the book of Exodus: the oppression of the Israelites and the birth and rise of God's chosen leader, Moses. The DVD also answers the question, Who wrote the Bible? - in a way kids can grasp. Approximately 45 minutes.

ALL-IN-ONE BIBLE FUN: STORIES OF JESUS

All-in-One Bible Fun is the perfect children's program for teachers on a budget or looking for a simpler approach. Each book is a collection of 13 Bible lessons for children containing a plan with opening, story, activity, and craft. The material is undated so teachers can use throughout the year.
Stories of Jesus features lessons exploring the life and ministry of Jesus.

FOR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

CONFIDENT PARENTING DVD CURRICULUM KITBY JIM BURNS

This kit contains a DVD with six sessions featuring Dr. Jim Burns and a resource-packed CD-ROM with six small group leader's guides for use with DVD sessions, reproducible participant guides, and ideas for a church-sponsored marriage and family month, including sermon outlines, PowerPoint presentations, posters and bulletin inserts, and more.

Sessions:

• Being a Confident Parent & Being the Transitional Generation
• The Lesson of Shema: A Road Map for Parenting
• The Lesson of the Sabbath: Finding Replenishment for Overcrowded Lives
• The Lesson of A.W.E.: Communicating with Affection, Warmth, and Encouragement
• The Lesson of Discipline and Grace: Creating a Grace-Filled Home
• The Lesson of the Blessing and the Legacy

FOR TEENS

FIVE PRACTICES OF  FRUITFUL YOUTH MINISTRY

These ten ready-to-use sessions teach the fundamentals of Christian living. Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission, and Extravagant generosity-these five practices, designed to shape both heart and mind, will help youth grow in their discipleship as they transform the world.

Features:

1. Ready-to-use interactive sessions for each practice

2. Reproducible Pages

3. Scripture references

4. Suggestions for Discussion

5. Questions for reflection

6. Planning helps

7. Tried-and-true activities from youth groups across the country

BURST TOPICS FOR TODAY’S TEENS: GREEN CHURCH

BURST TOPICS FOR TODAY’S TEENS: GREEN CHURCH STUDENT BOOK

Green Church is a six-week program for youth groups that will show Christian teens how caring for the earth is a way to honor God and show love for our neighbors.  It takes the usual three R’s of conservation – reduce, reuse, and recycle and adds three more – reclaim, repent and rejoice.

Teens will gain:

A greater understanding of God’s Creation

Their role as stewards of God’s creation

Caring for the world in which we live is an act of faith

Concrete ideas for ways that they can better preserve and protect God’s creation

Encouragement to be leaders in their church and community

BURST TOPICS FOR TODAY’S TEENS: WORLD RELIGIONS

BURST TOPICS FOR TODAY’S TEENS: WORLD RELIGIONS STUDENT BOOK

World Religions is a five-week program for youth groups that will help Christian teens better understand the religious beliefs and traditions of their Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim friends, peers, and neighbors and be better equipped to process the ideas and information that they encounter.

FOR JUNIOR HIGH

REELED IN: 3 BIG WHOOPPERS FROM GOD’S WORD

This three-part series covers three Bible stories: Jesus Fills the Nets, Jesus Feeds 5,000, and Jonah.  Students are led through three stages that lead to obedience:
  Accepting God's help in life,
 . Becoming aware of the world's needs, and
 . Being empowered to follow Christ's call.

The outcome: each 20-30 minute lesson encourages a willingness to hear and obey God!

PLAY IT! 3 STRATEGIES FOR THE GAME OF LIFE

Junior-highers need to make the connection that their actions reveal what they truly believe and who they really are. This series brings those issues front and center in a way that engages junior highers.

These three sessions stand alone or work as a series.  Students will take a hard look at their language, their personal life, and their understanding of forgiveness.  The "board game" theme ties the sessions together, so this is a perfect choice for a weekend retreat or camp, as well as regular meetings and small groups.

Sessions include:.

Scrabble: The Power of Words
Operation: How to Perform Surgery on Yourself.

Perfection: How to be Perfect

WORDS FROM THE CROSS AND 5 OTHER DRAMAS FOR TWEENS

Contains 6 dramas, both in modern and biblical settings. These dramas will allow tweens to role play certain situations they may find themselves in every day. They will also have the opportunity to discover and experience biblical stories in a whole new way.

WORDS FROM THE CROSS

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

A TALE OF TWO YOUTH GROUPS

ONE BODY

A FRIEND AT COURT

JOHN THE BAPTIZER

FOR MEN

DARE TO BE UNCOMMON MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & DVD

Super Bowl Champion Tony Dungy has spent his life shaping young men. Now in Dare to be Uncommon, Tony Dungy is ready to share core truths he wants every man to understand, live by, and pass onto others. This leader pack is designed to explore key principles found in Tony Dungy's Uncommon. Through Scripture, discussions, and activities-plus character building insights and candid 'pep-talks' from Tony Dungy-men will be challenged to examine their lives and aspire to a true life of significance. A life of renewed integrity.influence.and faith.

Seven sessions:

Strengthening Your Core

Loving Your Family

Lifting Your Friends and Others

Your Full Potential

A Mission That Matters

Influence Over Image

Live Your Faith

TONY DUNGY ON WINNING WITH QUIET STRENGTH DVD

Spend an evening analyzing the "game tapes" of life with Coach Tony Dungy and learn how you can be an everyday champion! This fast-paced and engaging presentation tackles topics such as dealing with disappointment, controlling anger, living with a sense of purpose, being salt and light to the world, perseverance, and more. Includes study materials in PDF format. Approx. 60 minutes.

QUIET STRENGTH MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Quiet Strength, Men's Bible Study explores six tough questions men ask. Each of the six Bible studies is crafted especially for men, and provides biblical answers, relationship-building discussion questions, fun activities, and character-building insights from the life of Super Bowl XLI Winning Head Coach Tony Dungy. On your own or with a group, you can discover the answers to these questions:

• What is my game plan?
• What is my strength?
• What is success?
• Where is my security?
• What is my significance?
• What is my legacy?