Available in VHS and DVD
WRESTLING WITH ANGELS
Wrestling With Angels examines the questions of life and faith that we deal with day-to-day,
such as 'How Can I Question and Still Believe?' and 'Why Is Loving So Hard?'. These questions and more are addressed by six
well-known authors/communicators. The two-tape set (77 minutes each) is segmented so it can be used with groups as a Lenten
study series. Tape 2 titles are: Forgiving, Doubt, Love. Available in VHS.
SEVEN STORYTELLERS OF FAITH
The 1997 Spirit Connection Lenten Study Series features seven prominent personalities sharing
his or her faith and ideas about such questions as the image of God, what gives life meaning, and the problem of evil. John
Dominic Crossan, author of 'The Historical Jesus', talks about his research into the real personality of Jesus and the controversy
it has created. Available in VHS and DVD
PRAYING IN THE MIDST OF LIFE
Led by Ron DelBene, this is a series of six videos designed to help strengthen personal prayer
life. Each program is approximately 23 minutes long. Available in VHS and DVD
The six programs involve the following topics:
1. Our Questions About Prayer
2. Finding
God
3. Knowing God's Will
4. Praying the Scripture
5. Learning the Breath Prayer
6. Retreating at Anytime
COMMON SOUL
Subtitled
"connecting faith and the economy in 2000 and beyond", this 2000 Lenten Series is part of The Moderator's Consultation on
Faith and the Economy. Based on the gospel of Mark, and concerned that we work together with one common soul for economic
justice in a world that is driven by "bottom line" economics, Bill Phipps travels across Canada meeting with and listening
to people from all walks of life. Included is a study guide for each of the six sessions, including notes written by former
moderator Bruce McLeod, on the economic background and biblical passages. Available in VHS and DVD
TALKING ABOUT GOD
This
faith development series for adults could be used at any time of year. Throughout time people have struggled with questions
about the concept of God and how God fits into our daily lives. This faith development series could be used year round and
is designed to help adults talk about their ideas of God. There are seven parts in this series:
1. What's Your Experience
of God?
2. How Do You Talk About God?
3. Who Are You to God?
4. Where is God in Your Life?
5. What is God Doing?
6.
Whose Side is God On?
7. How Can Believers Live Together? VHS
THE SYSTEM BELONGS TO GOD
In
this seven part series, Walter Wink, in conversation with Janet Wolf and James Forbes, helps us understand the spiritual forces
in the 'powers and principalities'. They offer a new way of thinking and hoping and acting for transformation.
1 - The
Way Things Are - Jesus had a better way than the way things are; he called it 'the Kingdom of God'.
2 - God Won't Give
Up - What if indifferent and sometimes evil-seeming institutions were created good and, like us, can be redeemed?
3 - What
Jesus Really Said - A striking new understanding of 'turning the other cheek'.
4 - How to Fight Without Hitting - How to
resist evil without doing evil, turn our weakness into strength, and love our enemies.
5 - What if Nations, Companies,
and Churches Had Angels? - Every institution, from nations to families, has a spirit and it can change.
6 - How You See
the World - Our view of the world determines how we see God.
7 - Praying for the Big Picture - Why our prayers may not
be answered and what to do about it. VHS
LENTSCAPE
LentScape
takes the viewer through the events of Lent, weaving each Biblical story with an issue implicit in the story. Each issue of
the seven sessions is addressed by the host and five panelists.
1: The Triumphal Entry: This first episode deals with
the question, 'Is popularity worth it?'
2: The Cleansing of the Temple: This second episode deals with the question, 'When
is anger justified?'
3: The Footwashing: This third episode deals with the question, 'How do we choose our leaders?'
4:
The Betrayal: This fourth episode deals with the question, 'How do I know God's will?'
5: The Trial: This fifth episode
deals with the question, 'Is justice ever served?'
6: The Crucifixion: This sixth episode deals with the question, 'What
price Faith?'
7: The Resurrection: This seventh episode deals with the question, 'Can people really change?' Available
in VHS and DVD
SEARCHING FOR SPIRITUALITY
Joan
Chittister, Benedictine nun, teacher, author, sociologist leads six other seekers on the search for wholeness. They explore
ten attributes that form a Christian spiritual life. Five programs on two tapes. The first tape has two programs: 1. Seeing
God in Others 2. Finding God in Daily Life. The second tape has three programs: 3. Understanding Others as God Understand
Us 4. Falling Into the Presence of God 5. Receiving Others Kindly. VHS
QUESTIONS OF FAITH FOR YOUTH III
Young
people were interviewed on issues and faith questions, and their responses are presented as food for thought to stimulate
discussion. Includes study guide. The titles in the series are: 1. Why Pray? 2. Who Do You Want to Become? 3. How Much Stuff
Do You Need? 4. How Do You Know What is Right? 5. What Can You Do About Violence? 6. Is Loving Yourself Easy? Available
in VHS and DVD
QUESTIONS OF FAITH II
Well
known non-secular writers and thinkers are interviewed on camera around a series of questions; these are questions that each
person struggles with as their faith changes along with their daily lives. The thoughts and reflections are compiled in these
sections: Who is Jesus? What's the use of the Bible? Who's got the truth? How do we right the wrong? What gives you faith?
What happens after death? Available in VHS and DVD
QUESTIONS
OF FAITH III
This popular series addresses, as the title suggests, the questions of faith with which many
people struggle at some point in their faith journey. The people interviewed in the videos are well-known people in both the
secular and church worlds as writers and thinkers. Available in VHS and DVD
WE WERE THERE
This
is a series of six programs featuring key witnesses to the events of Easter week. Program one shows Annas and Caiaphas, the
high priest, plotting to arrest and kill Jesus. Other programs show Simon Peter, Pilate and his wife Procula, Judas, Nicodemus
and Thomas, and Mary Magdalene and Joanna. In each program, the actors present the drama once, and then stop to discuss the
scene with the director, and then present the drama again. After each drama, a panel discusses the presentation. Available
in VHS and DVD
MEETING JESUS
This
series of two videos is designed to stimulate study and discussion of stories about encounters with Jesus. In THE SYROPHOENICIAN
WOMAN, Jesus meets a Gentile woman, responds as a Jew, is admonished, and becomes the one who changes. In THE WOMAN AT THE
WELL Jesus shocks his followers by breaking social taboos, and proclaims his messiahship to an outcast. VHS
RENOVATIONS
These nine
tapes represent the various workshops and their leaders and the music and theme of the Renovations event held in Toronto in
May 2000:
1. Highlights - An introduction to various workshops and their leaders and the music and theme.
2. Dick Towner
- "The Challenge of Materialism in the Post-Christendom Era"
3. Harold Percy - "Evangelism in the Post-Christendom Era"
4.
Herbert O'Driscoll - "Mission in the Post-Christendom Era"
5. Janet Wolf - The first 35 minutes is during the opening worship,
and the last 31 minutes is from the closing worship.
6. Jeff Woods - "Practical Steps in Congregational Transformation"
7.
Jim Wallis - "Integrating Soul Faith and Social Faith"
8. Linda McCoy - "New Worship Ministries"
9. Walt Kallestad -
"Leadership in a Changing Culture" VHS
DISCOVERING EVERYDAY SPIRITUALITY
A
series of four videos, each divided into two parts of approximately 25 minutes, for retaining and nurturing the sacredness
of everyday life.
Part I - Story - Stories have the power to heal and set free - particularly the stories of our own lives,
recreated, reimagined and relived.
Part II - Place - By paying attention to our own homes and neighbourhoods, we discover
the spiritual geography of our lives.
Part III - Activity - All our activities - work, art or chores - can enhance and
deepen our spiritual lives.
Part IV - Ritual - Rituals give order and meaning to our lives, linking our inner and outer
worlds. VHS
WOMEN IN THE BIBLE
Women in the Bible:
Three Stories
First in a series, this tape features three stories of women from the Hebrew scriptures as
presented originally at the Western Women's Conference in the fall of 1992 in Kananaskis, Alberta by Fran Hare. The stories
that Fran tells are of HANNAH (I Samuel 1: 1-28), RUTH AND NAOMI (Ruth 1: 16-18, 3: 1-13, 4: 13-17), and RIZPAH (II Samuel
21: 1-14). Available in VHS and DVD
Women
in the Bible, Two
This second in a series features three stories of women from the New Testament. The storyteller
is Fran Hare, of St. Stephen's College in Edmonton, making a presentation before an audience in Toronto in the fall of 1995.
The stories that Fran tells are of JAIRUS' DAUGHTER AND THE BLEEDING WOMAN (found in Matthew, Mark and Luke); HERODIAS AND
SALOME (from Mark and Matthew); and LYDIA AND THE UNNAMED SLAVE FROM PHILIPPI (found in Acts). Available in VHS and DVD
Women in the Bible, Three
Fran
Hare continues her engaging storytelling in this third in a series of videos, Women in the Bible. On this video, Story One
tells the stories of the women who were a part of the life and household of David, as recorded in the Biblical books of Samuel
and Kings. Story Two highlights the stories of the women who accompanied and provided for Jesus during his earthly ministry.
LUKE THE THEOLOGICAL
HISTORIAN
Series of seven video cassettes in which Dr. James A. Sanders, Old Testament scholar and theologian,
presents a stimulating, unique approach to scriptural study of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Each cassette
runs 27 minutes. NOTE: These cassettes are intended for in-depth Bible Study. VHS
GOSPEL OF MARK
This
eight-video study tackles important questions in a manner which will be understandable even for those who are doing Bible
study for the first time. As with other tapes in the RSV Bible Study Series, these tapes are designed with discussion breaks.
Available in VHS and DVD
REVELATION
The
Book of Revelation to John is filled with images and symbols. It was written in the First Century for First Century Christians
and deals with First Century issues. It is, however, an important book for us because it is a superb statement of the faith
of the church in trying times. (Eight Video Set)
ANCIENT FUTURE
WORSHIP
Robert Webber, author and President of the Institute for Worship Studies, narrates six programs
using a model of actual worship to help in the planning and leading of worship. The Sunday worship event is shaped into a
visual, intergenerational experience which immerses participants in bold pageantry, communal gestures and rich symbolism.
Tape
1 contains three sessions: 1. Understanding Worship (18 min.), 2. Ministry of Hospitality (10 min.), 3. Gathering into God's
Presence (13 min.). Tape 2 contains three sessions: 4. Listening to God through the Word (21 min.), 5. Offering Praise and
Thanksgiving at the Table (25 min.), 6. Going Forth to Love and Serve the Lord (20 min.) VHS
WHOLE AND FORGIVEN
There
are six segments to this Walter Wink Bible study series; each is designed to involve groups in discussion and study of Biblical
texts focused on stories about Jesus and healing. The segments are packaged individually and each is approx. 27-30 minutes
in length, accompanied by a comprehensive study guide. The six parts in this series are: 1 - The Man Let Down Through the
Roof; 2 - The Bent-over Woman; 3 - The Woman with the Hemorrhage; 4 - Blind Bartimaeus; 5 - The Woman with the Ointment; 6
- The Compassionate Samaritan. VHS
SIX LEADERS
OF CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN THOUGHT
This is a series of reflections from six important Christian thinkers.
This Lenten study series could be used by individuals or by study groups; a guide was prepared by Mardi Tindal for use with
this video series.
1. Canon Donald Reeves of St. James Church, Piccadilly and BBC presenter responds to a question of
faith 'In order to be faithful, from whom must the church learn?' Reeves' primary themes in this program are justice-making,
repentance, and the quest for holiness.
2. Professor Chung Hyun Kyung teaches at Ewha Women's University and is renowned
for both her feminist and Asian theologies. In this program Chung is asked several questions relating to her theology and
beliefs around death and life after death, religious teaching and the relationship between culture and religion in her life.
3.
Dr. William Sloane Coffin of Riverside Church in New York and of Yale University is asked about his thoughts on grace, sin
and salvation.
4. Dr. Sam Keen, author, mythmaker and storyteller, contributing editor to 'Psychology Today', comments
on faith, authority (biblical and personal) and morality.
5. Sr. Joan Chittister is formerly a Benedictine prioress and
a principal in the area of Christian spirituality and monasticism. In this program Joan Chittister offers her thoughts about
images of God.
6. Bishop John Spong of the Diocese of Newark has distinct views on uses for scripture, corporate sin, marriage
and relationships with others. VHS
DISCOVERING
THE BIBLE
This kit of resources for Bible study is designed to be used by people who are new to the church.
There are two tapes, each containing two programs, one-half hour in length.
Tape 1: Program 1: Getting Acquainted; Program
2: The Old Testament.
Tape 2: Program 3: The New Testament; Program 4: Survival, Spread and Influence.
The kit also
contains a companion overview, leader's guide, student worksheets, and bulletin inserts. VHS
PATHS OF GRACE
(SPIRIT CONNECTION FEB 12, 2002)
The special series for Lent looks at the meeting of native and Christian
spiritual tradition through the eyes and voices of four aboriginal Canadians. Following the Lenten journey the interview with
host, Royal Orr, focusses on:
Lent 1 - The Broken Relationship: Guest Roger Obonsawin a member of the Abenaki Nation at
Odanak, Quebec
Lent 2 - Suffering: Guest Pearl Cornell, a member of the Ojibway Nation at Cape Croker, Ontario
Lent
3 - Forgiveness: Guest Rev. Maggie McLeod, the minister at Cape Croker United Church, Ontario and was born in the Cree Nation
at Fife Hills, Saskatchewan
Lent 4 - Grace: Guest The Rt. Rev. Stan McKay, former moderator of the United Church and a
member of the Cree Nation in Manitoba. Available in VHS and DVD
JOSEPH CAMPBELL
AND THE POWER OF MYTH
Joseph Campbell discusses the stories, legends and religions found in all human societies,
and relates them to the way we lead our lives. Both modern and ancient legends are discussed and connected.
Part 1 - The
Hero's Adventure - is a discussion of ancient adventures and a challenge to everyone today to see the presence of a heroic
journey in his or her own life.
Part 2 - The Message of the Myth - is a comparison of the creation story in Genesis with
creation stories around the world.
Part 3 - The First Storytellers - is about the importance of accepting death as rebirth,
as in the myths of many societies.
Part 4 - Sacrifice and Bliss - is a discussion of the role of sacrifice in myth, and
our need to find our own sacred place.
Part 5 - Love and the Goddess - is a discussion of romantic love and addresses
questions about the image of women.
Part 6 - Masks of Eternity - provides challenging insights into the concepts of God,
religion and eternity as revealed in different societies and religions. VHS
EXPLORING THE SACRED IN DEATH AND DYING
This series of 6 videos is for
those who have to deal with the death of a loved one, or for those who relate to someone whose loved one is dying. Led by
Ron DelBene, people tell their stories of experiencing the death of loved ones, and reflect on what they have learned. Each
of the first 5 videos deals with 2 topics, and at the end of each part there are questions for reflection and/or discussion.
The 6th tape is the DelBene family story.
Part 1, 'Saying Goodbye' shows a number of ways people have said goodbye and
explores some rituals that have been helpful in the closure process.
Part 2, 'Living Through Grief', emphasizes the importance
of accepting our feelings so that through grieving our spirit mends and our heart is healed.
Part 3, 'Telling the Stories',
shows a number of people telling stories about the many faces of death and about the 'porous nature of the curtain between
life and death'.
Part 4, 'Recognizing the Sacred', teaches the importance of recognizing and trusting our instincts and
of being present and attentive to the person we are with in order to recognize holy moments
Part 5, 'Communicating', explores
ways to open up or improve meaningful communication in families and with friends during the stressful times of illness and
death.
Part 6, 'One Family's Story', illustrates the diversity of thoughts and feelings of the members of one family sharing
the same events. VHS
LISTENING TO
SOUL PAIN
This video is meant to raise awareness of the effects of trauma on the human spirit and emphasize
that complete healing requires attention to the spiritual concerns which surface in the wake of the experience. While the
spiritual struggles may begin almost immediately following the event, the most intense pain of the spiritual conflict is often
encountered only many months, or even years, after. VHS
PARABLES: A
NEW LOOK AT FAMILIAR STORIES
This video takes a new look at the meaning of several parables through a combination
of artistic expression, scholarly debate, and expert commentary. Joanne Dewey, New Testament professor, and Walter Wangerin,
Jr., professor and author offer their insights and perspectives in four 15-min segments covering "The Good Samaritan", "The
Talents", "The Prodigal Son", and "The Unjust Steward". VHS
SACRED &
SECULAR - 1998 LENTEN STUDY SERIES
As broadcast on Spirit Connection, this is a compelling series of in-depth
interviews conducted by host Royal Orr with six Canadians describing how they integrate their Christian faith with their daily
lives.
Program 1: Rt. Rev. Bill Phipps, the Moderator of The United Church of Canada, talks about what Lent and the Gospel
mean in his life.
Program 2: Gail Reid, the managing editor of Fellowship Magazine, celebrates the victory of the Resurrection
and the season of reconciliation.
Program 3: Senator Anne Cools is a long-time activist who believes strongly in speaking
on behalf of Christian principles, even when people disagree.
Program 4: Paul Henderson is a dedicated and passionate lay
minister who shares the Good News of God's transforming presence.
Program 5: Rev. Susan Eagle, a United Church minister
and advocate for the marginalized, reflects on the schizophrenic aspects of ministry with the poor and affluent.
Program
6: Bill Carr is a theologically-educated actor and humorist who believes that suffering and joy are integral and balancing
parts of the Lenten story. Available in VHS and DVD
SEASONS OF
THE SPIRIT - MARDI TINDAL
This 52-minute program shares personal stories of people facing turning points
in their lives and asking questions of faith that are all part of the seasons of the spirit. Connecting these stories to the
Christian seasons helps viewers to reflect on some of their own experiences, both individually and as communities.
VHS
Many more selections available!
