Published Quarterly according to the Liturgical Calendar: Feb May Aug Nov

FOCUS ON Book of Faith...

        Last summer at Churchwide Assembly everyone in the ELCA was encouraged to begin a five year study of the Bible. The initiative is called Book of Faith: Lutherans Read the Bible. A commitment form may be found at www.elca.org where your congregation may indicate how you are going to participate. This is not a new course—it is an opportunity to study, discuss, renew and deepen our understanding of the Old and New Testaments.. See SEEDS, Jan 08.

       Several resources are available.: Opening the Book of Faith 268.4340 introduces the main points of the initiative and includes four Bible studies as well as an assessment tool. The Beginner’s Guide series: Reading the Bible by Koester; Studying the Bible by Aaseng; and Books of the Bible by Jacobson & Kysar (220.07) are also available and full of good, brief information.  Courses include: No Experience Necessary  4.400 Series—contains: Book by Kelly Fryer; 8 units each w/seven sessions; Video to introduce the course; DVDs for programs 5-8 with additional study information.  The Kerygma Program 4.000 Series offers 31 Bible studies including an overview, Interpretation-a Guide to Understanding the Bible, Old Testament Studies and New Testament through Revelation. The Ten Keys Series 4.340 are easy to lead and use books covering some of the important highlights. Augsburg Fortress Bible Studies 4.100 Series are available quarterly by subscription (current issues may be bought in bulk for a class). Each publication includes a thirteen week study. Video study programs include Drs Amy Levine and Ehrman Old Testament 0.1450, 0.1451 and New Testament study 0.1448, 0.1449 AD by The Teaching Company.

      Jaime Buckingham series 0.1123 AD  and Faith Lessons  Series 0.2129 by Ray Vander Laan. For Youth , video series include Fish Eyes 0.1549—0.1556 YTH and for children the wonderful Animated Stories from the Bible series on VHS 0.0588  or DVD 51.110 CH as well as Sunday school curriculum.

In depth studies which require training to lead are available from Crossways, information at their website www.crossways.org  or the Bethel Series www.bethelseries.com  now updated and somewhat revised.

IN PRAYER

Retiring Bishop David Mullen

Bishop Elect Mark Holmerud

Rev L "Bud" Egdahl, Retiring

Rev Noreen Meginnis, Retiring and

her husband Rev Victor Gold who is ill.

GREAT IDEAS!

        The  “Pennies for Peace" program helps children [and youth] learn to share and work together to become members of a global family dedicated to peace.” The purpose is to “empower communities through education in remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Greg Mortenson is an ELCA member and founder of the Central Asia Inst, of which Pennies is a small part. He has built, and continues to build, with the help of Afghan tribal members, schools in remote parts of Afghanistan—-places at altitude where most of us wouldn’t even be able to breathe! Sharon Rowley and the Good Shepherd, Fresno WELCA are spearheading their campaign. More about Greg Mortenson in the wonderful book 371.8-3292 “Three Cups of Tea”—a great summer read!          

        Why not start a BANK this year—a Volunteer Bank that is. Hope Lutheran, Fresno began their this Spring. Deposit Slips were included with the Sunday bulletin with a list of ministries. Anyone could make their “time” deposit! Contact Jan Womer, Interim Pastor.

Please use our search engine to find resources:

  Request Manager Web  

Please return by using your "back" button on your browser!

Call (559) 449-8735

FAX (559) 431-4182

E-mail:  rspselca@pacbell.net

The Resource Center hours are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
9 am to 4 pm

Appointments may be made to consult with you at other times!