Board reports: RESOURCE MINISTRIES

Curriculum resources growing

The Board of Resource Ministries used t-shirts, storytelling and candy to promote its work during their convention reporting time.

Members of the board wore identical "A Heart for the World" t-shirts to draw attention to their new small-group curriculum on Mennonite Brethren core values called Faith Family Focus. During the next biennium two new units will be added to the three existing units, one on the nature of the church and the other on spiritual formation, announced Michael Dick, executive secretary. The first three units focus on missions, history and peacemaking.

Lorlie Barkman, BRM chair, described the series as "uniquely made by Mennonite Brethren for Mennonite Brethren." Faith Family Focus units are each comprised of four lessons and are available on two age tracks youth and adult.

A new book and a music recording were released during the conference. Storyteller and pastor Dan Unrau of Richmond, B.C., read from his new book, Saints, Sinners & Angels. His story of "Tante Nuht" both entertained and challenged delegates to think about the nature of God. Later in the morning Unrau signed copies of his new book.

Songs from More Than Worship, a collection of worship songs by Mennonite Brethren songwriters and composers, were incorporated into convention worship times and highlighted during a seminar. The recording is available in compact disc and CD ROM, cassette and song book format.

Jubilee: God's Good News, the Anabaptist cooperative publishing venture in children's curriculum, was highlighted during the report and question-and-answer time that followed. Marilyn Hudson, Kindred Productions manager, said that Jubilee is currently being "recycled" following an initial three-year track. Hudson also introduced the "Salvation Story" teacher's aid developed and marketed by Kindred to all Jubilee users. Teacher training videos have also been developed to aid churches.

BRM concluded its formal report by requesting feedback in writing from delegates regarding future publications. To reward delegates for their input, and to help them remember the board's "M&M" staff (Michael and Marilyn), the board members distributed M&M candy while delegates filled out their forms.

Connie Faber

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