Nurturing Faith
Planning the Church's Educational Mission in a Local Setting — This resource helps a local church create its own educational mission statement.
The Present Word – Adult Bible study resources based on the Cooperative Uniform Lesson Series. Click title or call UCCR Resources 800.537.3394
Bible Quest: A Bible Story Curriculum for All Ages – An ecumenical curriculum that offers leaders and learners a richer, deeper understanding of the Bible stories and how they relate to our lives. The Bible Quest approach helps learners to understand the Bible as a story: to encounter, interpret, and live the story in the world as disciples. www.biblequestlink.com
PowerXpress – Ideal for churches using a rotation format. Engages children in Bible stories and characters by using your volunteers' skills.Abington Press $110.00 http://www.powerxpress.com/
The Kerygma Program – Choose from a wide variety of Bible studies - long or short; beginner, intermediate or advanced; studies on specific books or topics of the Bible or the Bible as a whole. htp://www.kerygma.com
Companions in Christ – Offers small groups a powerfully transforming experience in spiritual formation. All resources in the series explore classic spiritual practices, and invite participants to develop daily patterns that open their lives to a deepening relationship with God and one another. $20.00 Upper Room Minisries http://www.upperroom.org/companions/about.asp
To Begin At the Beginning: An Introduction to the Christian Faith (Revised and Expanded) by Martin B. Copenhaver (The Pilgrim Press, 1989) An enjoyable, enlightening journey into the basics of Christianity and an invitation and encouraging provocation to deeper study. Questions accompany the 14 chapters, each of which could be the focus of study. $16.00. To order click title or call UCCR Resources 800.654-5129
Insights: Bible Studies for Growing Faith (The Pilgrim Press) Insights is a series of five to eight session, thematically-based studies for individuals and groups seeking to find meaning and direction for their lives by exploring the Scriptures in ways that are helpful and inspirational. $5.00 each Titles in the series include:
A User's Guide to the Bible by Lynne Mobberley Deming #13357
The Bible and Spiritual Disciplines by Holly W. Whitcomb #14043
Facing Change by Leah Matthews #13764
Job by Raymond Whitfield#15570
Powers and Principalities by Gene L. Davenport #15538
Women in the Bible: A Short Overview by Barbara J. Essex #14299
The Bible and Decision Making by Stephanie Boughton Haines #14210
Forgiveness #15791
Living In Crisis #15808
To Order: call UCCR Resources 800.654.5129
Curriculum Resource Information
2005-2006 Curricula Catalog contains information on all curriculum resources for the church's settings, as well as related resources from United Church Press and The Pilgrim Press, Bibles/Bible study materials, and UCC identity products. To order click title or call UCCR Resources 800.654.5129
Practices of Faith Pamphlets designed to help in ministry to members and visitors. EP128 Packages of 20 individual titles, $2.00. Pamphlets include:
Practice of Faith - Scripture
Practice of Faith - Prayer
Practice of Faith - Stewardship
Practice of Faith - Working for Justice
Practice of Faith - Gifts of Ministry
Practice of Faith - Healing and Reconciliation
Practice of Faith - Confirmation
Practice of Faith - Marriage
Circle of Grace
Practice of Faith - Mission
Book of Worship (Pocket)
Book of Worship (Loose-leaf)
Practice of Faith - SET
Practice of Faith - Baptism
Practice of Faith - Communion
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster Discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God. Celebration of Discipline explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. (Harper Books) $23.95
Other Nurturing Faith Resources:
Amistad: The Slave Uprising Aboard the Spanish Schooner by Helen Kromer (The Pilgrim Press, 1997) $16.00
The Creeds and Platforms of Congregationalism by Williston Walker (The Pilgrim Press, 1991), $29.95
Hidden Histories in the UCC, Volume 1 by Barbara Brown Zikmund (The Pilrgrim Press, 1987),$15.00
Hidden Histories in the UCC, Volume 2 by Barbara Brown Zikmund (The Pilrgrim Press, 1987),$15.00
A History of the Evangelical and Reformed Church by David Dunn, Editor (The Pilgrim Press, 1990), $17.00
The Shaping of American Congregationalism: 1620-1957 by John Von Rohr (The Pilgrim Press, 1992), $30.00
The Shaping of the United Church of Christ: An Essay in the History of American Christianity by Louis H. Gunnemann (The Pilgrim Press, 1999), $20.00
Theology and Identity: Traditions, Movements, and Polity in the United Church of Christ by Charles Hambrick-Stowe (The Pilgrim Press, 1990), $17.00
The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith by Marcus J. Borg (HarperCollins, 2003)$14.95
Reading The Bible Again For The First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally by Marcus J. Borg (HarperCollins) $14.95
United and Uniting: The Meaning of an Ecclesial Journey by Louis H. Gunnemann (The Pilgrim Press, 1987), $13.00
Confessing Our Faith: An Interpretation of the Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ by Roger Lincoln Shinn (The Pilgrim Press, 1990), $11.00
The Living Theological Heritage, 7 volumes (The Pilgrim Press), $350.00 per set. Also sold separately, $60.00 per volume
Volume 1: Ancient and Medieval Legacies
Volume 2: Reformation Roots
Volume 3: Colonial and National Beginnings
Volume 4: Consolidation and Expansion
Volume 5: Outreach and Diversity
Volume 6: Growing Toward Unity
Volume 7: United and Uniting
Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People edited by Dorothy C. Bass (Jossey-Bass Publisher, 1998) $17.95
Experiencing The Heart Of Christianity: A 12 Session Program for Groups by Tim Scorer (Wood Lake Books, 2005), $35.00 Order from UCCR Resources.
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott (Anchor Books, 2000), $13.00
Sisters: Bible Study for Women (Abingdon Press), $145.00
Men's Ministry Action Plan adapted from Men's Ministry Action Plan, 1998, Man in the Mirror, Inc. United Church Resources,), $5.00
Spiritual Deepening in Small Groups by Carolyn Landers Pettigrew 1999), Leader's Guide, $5.00, 10 Participant Booklets, $25.00
Children Learn What They Read: Seeing the Presence of God through Selected Storybooks by Carolyn Landers Pettigrew and Dawn Karima Pettigrew.
Will Our Faith Have Children? Video Study Guide (Episcopal Church, 2003), $25.00 for VHS or DVD. Four video segments help participants consider what it means to speak of Christian formation in the church today.
Hidden Wholeness: An African American Spirituality for Individuals and Communities by Michael I. N. Dash, Jonathan Jackson, and Stephen C. Rasor (United Church Press, 1997), $15.00 #0829811648. To Order call UCCR Resources 800-537-3394
You Belong: A Handbook for Church Members by Allen H. Marheine (United Church Press, 1995), $5.00 The text includes 34 readings on aspects of church membership.
Life Abundant: Rethinking Theology and Economy for a Planet in Peril by Sallie McFague (Augsburg Fortress, 1991), $18.00, free study guide available at www.augsburgfortress.org.
Same-Sex Marriage? A Christian Ethical Analysis by Marvin M. Ellison (The Pilgrim Press, 2004), $24.00.
Living the Questions (Living the Questions Publishers, 2005), $250.00
Beginnings (Abingdon Press, 2003), $325.00
Generation Why Bible Studies (Mennonite Publishing House) $12.99-$14.99 per course.
Faith in Motion Series (Abingdon) Leader's Guide, $12.00, Student Guide $7.00 per course.
Reel to Real (Abingdon), $5.00 each Order from Cokesbury. New downloadable resources at www.ileadyouth.com.
Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation by Neil Howe and William Strauss(Vintage Books, 2000) $14.95.
Making God Real for a New Generation: Ministry with Millennials Born from 1982-1999 by Craig Kennet Miller and MaryJane Pierce Norton (Discipleship Resource, 2003) $15.00.
Ted and Lee TheaterWorks (Mennonite Media), Video, $24.95 each.
Beyond the News: Parenting Adolescents (Mennonite Media), Video, $24.95.
Alternative Worship: Resources from and for the Emerging Church compiled by Jonny Baker and Doug Gay with Jenny Brown (Baker, 2003) $24.99.
The Book of Uncommon Prayer by Steven L. Case (Zondervan, 2002). $19.95
Vacation Bible School Learning Design. Joint project by First Congregational UCC and Mayflower UCC of Sioux City, Iowa and UCC of North Sioux City of North Sioux City, South Dakota; Published by The Stillspeaking Initiative. UCCR at 800.537.3394
Single-Digit Youth Groups (Abingdon, 2004), $10.00 Prepared by R. Kenneth Ostermiller. Order from UCCR Resources call 800.537.3394 Extravagant Welcome 
The e Word Library of Evangelism Resources now available on CD from UCC Resources. Call 800.537.3394. It can be downloaded from www.ucc.org/evangelism
God is Speaking, Through You and Me! A Practical Guide To Witnessing The Still Speaking God In Your Life and Congregation. #E1304, Pack of 50, $10.00 Available from UCC Resources. Call 800.537.3394.
God is Speaking, Through You and Me! Extend Hospitality to Strangers: A Practical Guide for Living the Welcome and Hospitality of the Still Speaking God in Your Life and Congregation. #ECESS2, Pack of 50, $10.00 Available from UCC Resources. Call 800.537.3394.
Making Our Churches Safe for All This resource helps congregations develop their own policies and practices to protect children and others who are vulnerable to abuse or neglect. Available in hard copy from the Insurance Board or online at ucc.org/ministers/safe
Anybody, Everybody, Christ's Body Developed by the Disabilities Network, this curriculum helps congregations become A-2-A (Accessible to All). Free. #PLLA2A Call UCCR Resources 800.537.3394.
Ending Racism in the Church edited by Susan Davies and Sister Paul Teresa Hennessee. Seventeen essays call church members to recognize the sin of racism. $13.00, United Church Press.
Even the Stones Will Cry Out for Justice: An Adult Forum on Institutionalized Racism A powerful resource for congregations who want to reach out and embrace people of all races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Designed as a three or five session Bible study or a one day retreat. $4.95, Augsburg Fortress.
Living the Faith: A Guide for Strengthening Multicultural Relationships A compilation of stories, advice and reflections about creating and nurturing multicultural relationships. Includes exercises showing how you understand faith transcends culture. $1.50, Augsburg Fortress, available through ELCA Distribution Services (800) 328-4648 or click the title above.
A House of Prayer for All Peoples: Congregations Building Multi-Racial Community by Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook. Focusing on six congregations, this book reveals what it means to create and live out multiracial community. $19.00 Alban Institute. Click the title above or call 800-486-1318, ext. 244.
Show No Partiality edited by Michael Dixon. This study guide helps to uncover and understand racism, encouraging dialogue with people of a variety of races and ourselves. $6.99, Chalice Press www.chalicepress.com
Steps Toward Wholeness: Learning and Repentance This study guide, developed by The General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns explores personal and institutional racism in six sessions. Free download from www.gccuic-umc.org/web/webpdf/studyguide.pdf
Denouncing Racism: A Resource Guide of Faith-Based Principles This compilation of faith and spiritually based principles, provided by The National Conference for Community and Justice, addresses how the concept of being anti=racist is documented in spiritual practices and policies. Free download from http://65.214.31.18/faithbook.pdf
The Power of Invitation and Welcome A user friendly booklet of "how tos," including how to place a television ad, public relations strategies, a hospitality checklist –a must for churches serious about inviting new people. Free download at stillspeaking.com/resources/ss101/htm or www.uccapps.com/StillspeakingStore/ or call UCCR at 800.537.3394.
Theological Reflection on the TV ads and The Stillspeaking Initiative Reflection on the first two TV ads as media cornerstone of the national identity initiative. Free download at www.uccapps.com/StillspeakingStore/ or call UCCR at 800.537.3394.
Theology of Hospitality: A Gift to the Church Essay on the theological dimensions of hospitality that the United Church of Christ has been celebrating in our ecumenical heritage. Free download at stillspeaking.com/resources/theology.htm
Stillspeaking 101 Training manual and reference companion to the "Ron in a Box" (DVD) Helps participants connect with UCC heritage and identity and explore that of their own church. Click title above or call UCCR Resources 800.537.3394. Also available in VHS PIC101V.
Stillspeaking 102 Manual and DVD reinforces and deepens Stillspeaking 101 training and includes Theological Reflections on the 2006 TV ad with study questions for individuals and groups. Click title above or UCCR at 800.537.3394.
Pew Pad for Visitor Sign-in helps local churches determine how a visitor found them. Order pew pads by clicking the title or call UCCR at 800.537.3394.
Inspiring Generosity
Stewardship and Church Finances Ministry Team
Local Church Ministries
Inspiring Generosity in the United Church of Christ
Is stewardship just another church program, or do we see it as a channel for living transformed lives? How do we, as stewardship leaders, help our churches raise and engage questions that matter from the very beginning of the life we share as a congregation? How do we teach those new or returning to the church about giving to the church? The Stewardship and Church Finances Ministry Team starts with the conviction that generosity is a spirit and an approach to life that is waiting to happen in every church member and any congregation. We produce resources and programs, beginning with our foundational resource, Inspiring Generosity, to help the local church recognize its own spirit of generosity, focus on it, and tap into its transformational power in the world.
For Stewardship Resource Information Contact: Tracy Carnes, Associate Minister for Stewardship Resources, 216.736.3858,
Hope-filled Worship
Worship Ways Worship Ways complements liturgical resources published in the Book of Worship: United Church of Christ and The New Century Hymnal. It follows the Church Year according to the UCC Desk Calendar and Plan Book. It pays attention to special Sundays in the Desk Calendar and provides liturgies, litanies and prayers to enrich the worshiping experience. Free Download from www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/
Prayers and Patterns for Worship: Liturgies, Music, Images, and Ideas for Engaging Worship in the United Church of Christ from Worshiping into God's Future (2005). An initiative that invites the entire UCC to reflect on our worship life and to create new resources. Features new liturgies, music, and visual images for worship, as well as questions for reflection. Free, downloaded at www.ucc.org/worship/worshiping-into-gods-future/
Sing Prayer, Sing Praise! A CD of songs. These songs have been created with the vision of a church that is eager to find new ways of expressing faith and worship. It is very diverse in the styles and content. All the musicians and composers are members of the United Church of Christ.Free Music and texts can be downloaded from: www.ucc.org/worship/worshiping-into-gods-future/
SAMUEL [Scripture and Mission: A United Church of Christ Electronic Library]. SAMUEL provides lectionary texts, psalm antiphons and a pump-primer for lectionary preachers, plus a weekly theme and focus scripture from the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Worship planners can use SAMUEL in conjunction with the UCC Book of Worship, The New Century Hymnal, Mission Moments and our Worship Ways resource. Free download from www.ucc.org/worship/samuel/
Sermon Help A weeklong interactive forum on the readings appointed for next Sunday. Visit: www.ucc.org/worship/samuel/
New Century Hymnal The New Century Hymnal is the most recent official hymnal of the United Church of Christ. The hymnal includes the Psalter, newer hymns, and worship resources for local church use. Pilgrim Press $35.00 To order click the title above or call UCCR Resources at 800-537-3394.
Himnario Unido is the official Spanish hymnal of the United Church of Christ. It contains many traditional and Spanish contemporary hymns from all over Latin America. It also contains Spanish Liturgies and church rites. Pilgrim Press $15.00 To order: Click the title above or call UCCR Resources at 800-537-3394.
Book Of Worship This resource is intended to be used for public worship of God in local churches of the United Church of Christ. It attempts to express the diversity of the United Church of Christ while lifting up our common liturgical threads with the Church Universal. Book of Worship is the official liturgical book of the UCC for rituals and ceremonies. Pilgrim Press 37.00 Loose leaf or pocket edition. To order: Click the title above or call UCCR Resources at 800-537-3394.
Seasons of the Spirit: Lectionary-base Resources Connecting Worship, Learning, and Service (Seasons of the Spirit Publishers) Provides God's people with lectionary-based, ecumenical resources that empower all ages.
Seasons of the Spirit (2005-2006) Adult (9 Month) United Church Press $ 135.00
Seasons of the Spirit (2005-2006) Adult (Summer) United Church Press $ 45.00
Seasons of the Spirit (2005-2006) Congregational Life (12 month) United Church Press $ 135.00 www.spiritseasons.com. To order click the title above or call UCC Resources at 800.537.3394.
Bold Local and Global Witness
Imagine Another World is Possible – A Bible Study and Reflection Guide for Justice Seekers Learn how the prophetic Word in the Bible supports social justice advocacy today. This resource can help local congregations, study groups and grass roots organizations embrace God's transforming mission to do justice, seek peace and build community.
Another World is Possible: Building a Peace with Justice Movement in the UCC A resource guide for local congregations interested in ministries of advocacy on peace with justice issues which offers a framework for understanding how a multi-issue movement can empower our denomination and its churches. $19.95 #JWAWP To order call UCCR Resources 800.537.3394
In Response to The Call of Christ A Bible study and reflection guide. Available from Justice and Witness Ministries.
Privitazation, a Challenge to the Common Good Reflections collected in this volume explore what would be the consequences of radical privitazation now being proposed by conservative think tanks and those in the current federal administration, Congress, and state legislatures who are strong supporters of replacing public with private services. Online in pdf.
Take Action for Justice Visit the UCC Take Action Center, where you can read up-to-the-minute alerts on national and state issues and voice your concern about important matters of justice and peace. This is your one-stop advocacy center for contacting federal and state officials, corporate executives, opinion makers, and media outlets. Don't delay -- Take action today!
Overcoming Violence A booklet containing six units, each with a Bible study and questions for reflection, that examines various forms of violence. Available only on the web at http://www.ucc.org/justice/biblestudy.pdf
A Just Peace Church edited by Susan Thistlethwaite A beginning theological statement on peace explores the new reality of global destructiveness and demands new theological insight and sensitivity. #05877 $13.00
The Peace Book: 108 Simple Ways To Create A More Peaceful World by Louise Diamond. The message of the Peace Book is a simple one. It calls each one of us to action in our daily lives, to create a culture of peace. #15.00 To order call 800.865.9595 or online at www.conari.com.
Peace Book study guide available at www.peacebook.com
Calendar of Prayer A Calendar of Prayer for the United Church of Christ contains stories from across the United States and from around the world that illustrate the depth and breadth of the mission outreach of the UCC. There are stories that reflect the rich diversity of our denomination.
Child Sponsorship This global children's ministry works in collaboration with our agencies to provide food, basic health care, clothing and in some cases housing, school fees, uniform, books and training and livelihood opportunities to many poor and destitute children in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Europe.
Global Volunteer Service There are many ways for congregations and individuals to be involved with Global Ministries. On this page you will find various ideas and resources for connecting to our brothers and sisters around the world.
People to People Pilgrimage Program In participating on a mission pilgrimage, a group embarks on a journey of faith and solidarity with our international ecumenical partners. For this reason, such group travel experiences are called "People-to-People Pilgrimages."
What Is Islam? A basic introduction prepared by the Middle East and Europe Office of Common Global Ministries. With widespread attention on the Middle East and the suspicion that Osama bin Laden is responsible for the recent terrorist attacks against the United States, it is helpful to have in mind some basic facts about Islam.
Affirming Persons, Savings Lives Life Saving AIDS Education Affirming Persons—Saving Lives responds to the real concerns of real people facing the dangers of HIV transmission and AIDS In age-appropriate, non-judgmental language. Designed for multi-cultural Christian education settings, this ground-breaking resource also can be adapted for use by health and human service institutions, schools, health department and community based organizations.
