June 5, 2009 Media Resource Corner

 New studies on DVD are available for a Sunday School class or a small, community-based, youth or other study group.

• MODERN PARABLES from Compass Cinema is an original, film-based Bible study that can transform how people see the parables of Jesus. Fictional stories based in contemporary settings are combined with teaching by pastors and in-depth study materials to create an entirely new learning experience. The films are not just loosely based on the parables, but accurately follow the original text. The goal is to recapture the emotional, intellectual and spiritual impact of the original parables. Each parable is broken into two sessions. The first includes an engaging and modern-day retelling of the parable. The second session features a minister who addresses how to apply the parable to our lives today. By modernizing the parables, they become more accessible to a contemporary audience. People can immediately relate to the parable. The pastoral application video shows how the parables relate to daily life, as well as how each of us fits into the broader Kingdom of God. The set includes:

1. Hidden Treasure, a light comedy about an unsuccessful real estate agent who finds oil in a field and sets out to convince his wife that they should sell everything to buy it. This study is based on Matthew 13:44.
2. Samaritan, a drama about a teenager who watches his father and youth leader pass by a hurt man, only to see the victim helped by another,  unexpected person. This study is based on Luke 10:25-37.
3. The Shrewd Manager, a comedy steeped in irony about a dishonest farm manager who is fired and must quickly figure out a way to gain his next job. This study is based on Luke 16:1-8.
4. The Widow and Judge, a moving drama about a poor widow struggling against a corrupt judge in her pursuit of justice, is based on Luke 18:1-8.
5. The Sower, a documentary about an 80-year-old wheat farmer. This study is based on Matthew 13:1-23.
6. Prodigal Sons, a drama about two sons trying to manipulate their father to achieve their own selfish ends. This study is based on Luke 15:11-32. Each is in English with Spanish subtitles and available on DVD with a combined leader’s guide and study booklet.

• The classic television episodes from Entertainment Ministry continue to be offered in the Media Resource Center. Andy Griffith, Mayberry; Beverly Hillbillies; Dick Van Dyke; Gilligan’s Island; and Bonanza are popular choices. Each includes both leader and student materials with relevant scriptures for use as modern parables of Jesus.