Sand Art

Last month on our website I highlighted a resource (B5030) “The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction Sand Stories.”  There is also a Multi-denominational Kit too. This study goes through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and each session is divided into four sections; 1. Telling the Story, 2. Picturing The Story, 3. Singing and Praying the Story, 4. Looking Ahead.

During the time of "Picturing the Story" sand artist Joe Castillo tells the story through his free-flowing sand art, which is awesome!!. If you have never witnessed a story told through sand art, it is a wonderful experience!

Another Resource Center Director, wondered if the sand art video would appeal to children. She showed the sand art DVD to a young boy. He remained absolutely quiet and then all of a sudden he started to jump up and down, tugging on his mom’s pant leg, excitedly shouting, “Mommy! I see God’s hands!” Later the mother shared that this little boy was so excited to share this story with his dad.

We also have another series by Joe Castillo (DV1122=) "SandStory Presents"  which includes 4 DVD's with stories on the Creation, the Passion, the Prodigal, and the Miracle of Christmas.  Consider using this with all ages and discover the story as it is created with sand!  Imagine the faith stories that can take place afterward!! Check out this preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI5mPqJv3Dg

Nature Walk

My church has a group of young adults that have started meeting and today they had a "Discovery Event - 1000 Islands Nature Walk" They opened this event to all members of the congregation and guests who like to be active. They met at the Nature Center in Kaukauna and planned to walk approximately 2- 4 miles all the while observing nature, God's creation. They will gather at the end for reflection. What a great way to share God's message in community and conversation with others and in the environment He created!

Legos and Scripture

Several years ago I held a Rotation Sunday School Workshop and one of presenters demonstrated how legos could be used to teach Bible Stories. It was awesome!! Today we need to find many ways to get our youth to learn and remember these important faith stories told in the Bible. So why not with Legos? The Brick Testament is the largest, most comprehensive illustrated Bible in the world with over 3,600 illustrations that retell more than 400 stories from The Bible. Like any other resource, you need to make sure the story and the material provided is appropriate to the age group you are working with.  Check out their website and begin energizing your Bible Teaching with Legos!!  http://www.bricktestament.com/mmaction.html.

Blessings Chain

Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI had a great idea! Instead of focusing on difficult times, they wanted to lift up the Blessings in their lives! People, young and old, wrote down their blessings on strips of paper which were placed on a paper chain. As the chain grew, they did too, in their witness and their faith, they were energized by the many blessings they had. The local newspaper was so intrigued they published an article in their paper. Read and view the pictures of their story by going to: http://www.ecsw.org/mmaction.html.

Remembering Steve

I am saddened to learn that Steve Hall, Steinway Artist, died at the end of March. Steve was my friend and a very gifted pianist. For many years he shared his music and his faith with the people of the East Central Synod of WI in a Fall Concert. We will forever remember Steve, his stories, his humor, his music and his very strong faith in God. Many of you will remember one of his earlier CD's "On Angels Wings" His many CD's can be found in the Resource Center for listening and for sale.